Over 200 schoolchildren help the homeless with shoe-box donations

By Aideen O’Flaherty

OVER 200 primary school children in Citywest and Saggart have been spreading Christmas cheer by donating gifts which will be distributed by Tallaght Adventure World at their Christmas Day dinner hosted for the homeless.

The pupils of Citywest and Saggart Community National School sent out their first batch of festively decorated shoe-boxes packed with gifts last week, with more set to be collected in the coming days.

Allison Carter, Citywest & Saggart CNS Parents’ Association chairperson, said: “Homelessness is a big issue at the minute, and we wanted our kids to be aware that not everyone has a house.

“We are very aware that not everyone is as fortunate as ourselves.

“People from all walks of life, just like ourselves, can be affected by homelessness.”

Last year the students donated clothing and blankets to the Syrian Refugee Appeal, but this year Ms Carter said the school’s parents association committee wanted to “do something to help the local community.”

Among the suggested items for the students to include in the shoe boxes is a blank Christmas card and a stamped envelope, as a way of helping people to get back in touch with family or friends they may have lost contact with.

Now in its third year, the Tallaght Adventure World free Christmas dinner offers a three-course meal, packs of essentials and entertainment for people who have been affected by homelessness.

The dinner is organised by Sinn Féin councillor Dermot Richardson, in partnership with VISIT.