Not every child gets a present at Christmas but this year in Kilkenny St Vincent De Paul is doing its utmost to ensure that this is not the case.
This week see’s the launch of the St Vincent de Paul’s Christmas Toy Appeal in association with the Kilkenny Lions Club Hamper Appeal. With the 2012 Budget looming and the economic situation failing to improve, calls for assistance to the Society of St Vincent de Paul has reached unprecedented levels and for many who are already struggling with poverty, debt and unemployment Christmas will bring added stress and financial burden to many Irish families.
Children have played no part in the demise of the economic crisis yet they are the most vulnerable with ninety thousand Irish children reported to be currently living in poverty.
With help SVP and the Kilkenny Lion’s Club aim to ensure that every child wakes to a gift this Christmas morning and for at least one day are treated equally despite their circumstance.
As always Santa and his elves are working very hard but they need a little extra help this year. By donating a new toy unwrapped to one of our official drop off points you will be helping to ease the pressure off Santa. Every toy or gift donated will be distributed by Kilkenny SVP to local deserving children. Gifts can be whatever your budget allows, favourites for tots are games, learning toys and DVD’s with music, book and cinema vouchers ideal for teens. Alternatively friends or co-workers can club together to buy a gift or local businesses can get involved by hosting a giving tree in the work place. Every child has the right to Christmas and your toy will make a difference so please donate what you can before December 8, and SVP will make sure the toys get to Santa in plenty of time for Christmas.
For more information please email svptoyappeal@gmail.com or you can also check out facebook and help share the appeal. Official drop off locations in Kilkenny are Dunnes Stores, MacDonagh Junction, Kilkenny People Office, High Street, Studio One Barbers, Loughboy Shopping Centre, and Hennessy Sports, Newpark Shopping Centre.
