The women of WiRE Burton have donated dozens of gifts to the armed forces charity SSAFA.

WiRE member Anne MacKinnon is a volunteer divisional secretary for the Burton and Uttoxeter branch of SSAFA (Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association), which provides support for ex-service personnel of all ages and their dependents.

She spoke at Burton’s November meeting about local families who desperately need SSAFA’s help and support after they have served their country and then returned to civilian life.

Members and visitors to the group had been invited to bring along an item or two which would go into Christmas parcels delivered to local families supported by SSAFA. The result was a table groaning under the weight of 15 bags full of food, toiletries, books and gifts.

Today nearly five million people living in the United Kingdom are estimated to have served in the Armed Forces at some point in their lives. Every year, around 20,000 servicemen and women leave the services and return to civilian life.

Anne said: “I love being a member of WiRE as the women who attend have always been so supportive and helpful. The amount they have donated is quite overwhelming and I am very touched. These gifts will help to bring Christmas cheer to people living in Burton and Utttoxeter who need some help and to let them know that someone cares.”

Lorraine Holden, one of Burton WiRE’s three volunteer leaders, said: “We are delighted to have been able to help Anne’s appeal on behalf of the local branch of SSAFA.”

Find out about future meetings of the WiRE Burton network at www.wireuk.org/burton-on-trent.html.