PEOPLE STILL have two days in which to leave unwanted Christmas gifts at the crib in Dublin’s Pro Cathedral.
Staff there will put them to good use by donating them to the city’s homeless people. It is the sixth year in a row they have done so, and to date, the idea has been a tremendous success.
They will accept unwanted DVDs, clothes, toiletries, toys and other excess gifts.
These are then given to the Dublin archdiocese’s social service agency, Crosscare, for distribution to those most in need throughout 2011.
The agency also uses them as Christmas gifts for people who have not received any this year and may not again next year.
If the appeal is as successful as it has been in previous years, Crosscare will sell the surplus gifts and will use the money raised to help fund their homeless shelters and services around Dublin.
Fr Pat O’Donoghue, of the Pro Cathedral staff, said that the response to the appeal for unwanted gifts was growing year by year, despite the economic downturn.
Last year the response was particularly generous and staff are hoping people will be as thoughtful again this year despite the economic climate.
They point out that it is the most marginalised people in the city who are affected by this downturn.
“This year, more than ever, we know they will make a big difference,” Fr O’Donoghue said.
Unwanted gifts can be left at the Pro Cathedral crib in Dublin until Thursday.
