Helping Hand group appeals to public for Christmas aid

A TALLAGHT-BASED group that provides hampers to families in need every Christmas is concerned that they “won’t be able to pull it off” this year as a result of increased demand on their service and a lack of donations.

The group, called A Helping Hand, is based in Killinarden and was set up by local Sinn Féin councillor Dermot Richardson in 2018.

In previous years, the group was best known for its annual Christmas Day dinner for the homeless in Tallaght Adventure World, however it cannot be held this year as a result of the pandemic.

Instead, the group is hoping to provide hampers to people in need this Christmas, but they are receiving a substantial number of requests for help – including requests from people outside the area.

Katrina O’Hara from A Helping Hand said that over 300 people are currently on a waiting list for hampers from them, and she believes the increased number of people from outside Tallaght seeking help from the service is a result of the recent winding down of the Inner City Helping Homeless charity.

“We’re getting a lot of requests from people from other areas outside Tallaght looking for help,” Ms O’Hara told The Echo.

“I think it’s very hard not just for families, but for people who are on their own this Christmas. It’s very sad, but at Christmastime it’s lovely to give them these hampers.

“It makes Christmas warm for them again, and gives them a sense of community and family, which we miss so much from the Christmas dinners for the homeless.”

A Helping Hand is seeking donations of tinned food, tea, coffee, packaged food, meat and supermarket vouchers, new toys for all ages, sweets, toiletries, water, soft drinks, hats, gloves, scarves and sleeping bags with the stipulation that all items must be new.

However, Ms O’Hara is concerned that A Helping Hand may not be able to meet the demand for their Christmas hampers this year, and is appealing to members of the community to donate.

“There are a lot of people on the list for hampers this year and they’re relying on us,” she explained, “but we’re worried sick that we’re not going to be able to pull it off this year.

“Even just a small, kind gesture, like a donation of tins of beans, can have a big impact and can help a family have dinner that week.

“It really touches their hearts. You can see how much it means to them and how much their faces light up when they get their hampers.”

Anyone who can donate items to A Helping Hand can contact Ms O’Hara on 087 433 5504, or Cllr Dermot Richardson on 087 203 6468.