Seniors thanks soldiers with gifts

Bethanie Eaton Social Centre members are hoping care packages posted to the Middle East will "brighten" the day of Australian soldiers.

A group from the centre have put together 22 packages with items such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo and conditioner.

Soldiers can also adopt a pen pal with the group, including self-addressed envelopes in the packs.

Centre coordinator Terri Olsen said she suggested the idea after reading about it during last month's Anzac Day commemorations.

"I thought with the 100th Anzac celebrations it would be a great thing to do, so suggested it to the group and they went with it," she said.

The packs were posted, free of charge to the Defence Force in Sydney, where they will be forwarded to soldiers fighting overseas.

Social Centre member Mary Brown said she hoped the soldiers were happy with the packs and got a "nice surprise".

"We were all putting these packages together as a group so it was nice," she said.

"We think about the soldiers often and the sacrifices they make, so it's good to do something for them."