Staff in St. Mary’s Pro- Cathedral pass the unwanted DVD,’s jumpers, toiletries, toys and more to Crosscare who will distribute them to those in need for Christmas 2010. Last year, the response to the appeal was so generous Crosscare were able to sell surplus gifts and use the monies raised in their homeless shelters and services around Dublin.
Fr. Pat O’ Donoghue from the Pro Cathedral said they were not expecting such a generous response this year, but already the indications were that people were not trying to exchange their unwanted gifts, but were happy to leave them at the crib for those most in need. “When we began this appeal in times of plenty, it was a little easier for people to give, “said Fr. O’ Donoghue, “The fact that it already looks like people are still willing to donate this year, in times of much less is a tribute to the sense of community we feel with those worse off than ourselves.”
Crosscare , the social care agency of the Dublin Diocese has seen an increase in demand across their services in the past year. Unwanted gifts for homeless people will be stored over the year for giving out in time for Christmas next year any monies raised from excess will be invested back into homeless services over the next 12 months.
People can leave their unwanted gifts at the crib in St. Mary’s Pro Cathedral from now until 6th January.
