Fill a double-decker donation bus to help this Christmas
By Mary Dennehy
THE Tallaght community is, this Saturday, December 14, invited to help fill a double-decker bus with donated items for homeless and struggling families this Christmas.
The drive is part of the Christmas Day dinner for the homeless, which also provides hampers to families living in hotels and those struggling to provide Christmas at home.
Some of food hampers being made up for families
Last year, hampers, vouchers and toys were delivered to 285 families struggling to provide Christmas in their own homes.
Local community group A Helping Hand, which is organising the Christmas Day dinner with support from the community and local businesses, is also behind the double-decker donation drive.
This Saturday, a double-decker bus will be parked on Level 3 of The Square Shopping Centre from 9am to 6pm – and accepting donated items from members of the public.
People are invited to donate whatever they can, such as tinned foods, cereals, biscuits, cakes, selection boxes, bottled water, minerals, tea, coffee, hot chocolate and meat vouchers.
Donations of toiletries, new children’s clothes, new toys, and hats, gloves and scarves are also welcome.
Councillor Dermot Richardson, one of the founders of the Christmas Day dinner and A Helping Hand, said that any items left over after Christmas will be distributed between locally based projects and the Capuchin Centre in town.
The bus, which has been donated by Tallaght-based business, Alan Gibbons Coach Hire, will be parked on Level 3 of The Square on Saturday, December 14, from 9am to 6pm.
Anybody in need, alone, sleeping rough or living in homeless hubs are also invited to attend the Christmas Day dinner in Kidszone on December 25.
Last year, 315 people attended the Christmas Day dinner in Tallaght.
The day includes a three-course meal, games, music and gifts – with buses available on the day for pick-ups and drop-offs.
Call 087 2036468 for further information or to attend the Christmas Day Dinner.
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