Tuesday, September 21, 2010 We sent out 29 parcels from the Family Library over the past couple of months and I know the IOM Post has sent a similar amount too, so thank you to everyone who has donated so far.
The final parcels will be sent out to Corp. Quaggin at the end of this month.
Red Heart Parcels, September 2010 Sunday, August 15, 2010 We had a surprise visit from Corp Quaggin on Saturday - you can read about it on the Red Heart Parcels website - HERE
We've set up a website and at the moment we're waiting for the domain name to become active (www.redheartparcels.org), until then you can access the site by the Red Heart Parcels link on the front page of our site
August 2010, Red Heart Parcels Friday, August 6, 2010 We've had a really busy start to the holidays with lots of children and parents taking part in your Reading Scheme, there will be more fun and games this month too
In a few days we will have the Red Heart Parcel site up and running so that anyone who would like to donate to that project will be able to find out all information in one place
Keep checking back for more updates!
Reading Scheme, Red Heart Parcels Tuesday, July 13, 2010 We received a letter from Corp. J Quaggin. Here is an extract -
"Thank you.
Life out here is very hard, 50˚C + during the day and we are living out in the sun on camp beds with mosquito nets over them. We shower once every few days with water from the river that runs through our camp, we also wash our clothes in it.
We get 4 x 1.5 litre bottles of water a day (3 to drink, 1 to wash and shave with) and a box of rations a day. We have no fresh food so the fruit in the boxes was appreciated. Because of eating nothing but rations everybody has turned very thin. I shaved my head a few months ago and because of the lack of nutrients in our bodies my hair has to still grow back! We are also infested with fleas and other nasty bugs so everyone is covered in sores as well as sunburn. We go on patrol nearly every 12 -24 hrs and more recently came in contact with the Taliban most days. The locals mostly are friendly to us but do not openly show it as they get watched by the Taliban.
Once again thank you for the parcels and well wishes,
from John"
It's clear to see how the gifts of dried fruit are valued and needed. We are collecting dried fruit and lip balm for John and his colleagues (please don't donate any other items - we are confirming what else frontline troops need right now). If you would like to donate anything look out for the Red Heart Parcel sign at your local library and selected post offices. You can donate at Peel Police Station and Chiropody Surgery, Parliament Square, Ramsey.
Thursday, June 3, 2010 
Having seen the article about our initiative to send Home Comforts to the Duke of Lancaster Regiment in the Manx Independent, Isle of Man Post Office felt they wanted to get involved and offered to post items to the troops free of charge.
We re-launched the campaign and hope that more of the Island community get involved in sending dried fruits and lip balm to Manx soldiers on the frontline in Afghanistan
If you want to make a donation look out for the Red Heart Parcel sign at libraries and post offices around the Island
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Corp John Quaggin of the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment has asked us to help provide little treats for him and his Battle Group which is now stationed in Afghanistan for the next nine months.
We will be collecting dried fruit, hard sweets (it's hot in Afghanistan right now) and lip balm. If you would like to help please bring your gifts to the library by mid-May, when we'll be sending out the first parcel.