Sunday, January 06, 2013

Unwanted Christmas gifts donated to church appeal

Very Rev Damian O'Reilly with some of the gifts. Photo: Doug O'ConnorGENEROUS Dubliners have so far filled nearly four vans with unwanted Christmas gifts to be donated to the needy.

THE presents are being dropped into St Mary's Pro Cathedral and are being collected by Crosscare, the social care agency of the Dublin Diocese, who will distribute them.

The Very Rev Damian O'Reilly, administrator at the Pro Cathedral, said: "We have received a huge amount of stuff.

"They are very practical items that will be very appreciated."

He said that unwanted clothing including shirts and ties, as well as hats, gloves and scarves have all been left by kind-hearted people.

"A lot of cosmetic stuff has come in and got some lovely cuddly toys which were brand new," he told the Herald.

They also received bed linen, pillows, blankets, biscuits and chocolates as a result of their unwanted gifts appeal.

He added that it is a good use of an unwanted gift, rather than just putting it at the back of a wardrobe.

He said the last day to bring gifts is Sunday, January 6.

Fr O'Reilly said: "What started off as a simple appeal five years ago has grown into a really significant effort."