Tots to Teens: Barnardos asks the public for donations

The Toy Library, the country's first toy sharing platform, has launched this year's Circular Christmas campaign and is asking families to consider sharing pre-owned toys that are in good condition in a bid to cut down on waste and make financial savings this festive season. Pictured: Sophie O'Brien cuddles her new dolly. Photo: Clare Keogh

BARNARDOS is asking the public to support their annual Christmas appeal. 

More families turned to the charity in 2024 than in any other year, because of the cost-of-living crisis and rising homelessness, resulting in more than 35,600 children and adults availing of its services. That’s the highest number ever.

Demand at Barnardos’ 56 service locations nationwide is surging, and they don’t want to turn anyone away. To help the charity make this Christmas happy for families in need, donate at barnardos.ie.

Toy sharing

Children all over Ireland are getting excited about Santa. Their parents may not be as enthusiastic about the idea of yet more toys coming into their home. Some may also be worried about the expense.

This is why the Toy Library has launched its Christmas Circular campaign, which encourages parents to consider passing on toys their children have outgrown to other families.

Doing this can help save money and reduce unnecessary waste.

Families can sign up for the toy library.ie for free. They can then upload photos of the toys they would like to donate, using the platform’s geolocation tool to help others find toys in their locality and arrange for collection.

Breastfeeding support 

Ireland’s breastfeeding rates are among the lowest in Europe.

HSE statistics show that of the 65% of mothers who started breastfeeding in 2025, only 44% were still doing so by the time of their baby’s three-month health check.

Petrina O’Halloran, the founder of the Clare-based breastfeeding gifts and essentials brand, Mama’s Boobie Box, believes many of these mothers would have breastfed for longer if only they had the right support. That is why she has launched a 30-Day Breastfeeding Tips campaign.

It’s a series of short videos designed to give mothers fast, practical, and reassuring guidance. It’s available for free on social media and from mamasboobiebox.com.

Each video focuses on one, clear, actionable idea that mothers can apply immediately and aims to tackle the most common challenges that new mums face, from cluster feeding and problems with latching to pumping and breastfeeding in public.

Panto Dame Fionula Linehan in full costume on stage at the Everyman with Dolly, dressed as Santa and proudly leading the pack during a special visit from My Canine Companion puppies-in-training ahead of this year’s Cinderella! Panto. Picture Chani Anderson

Out and about 

Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without some family days out. Here are just a few to attend in the coming weeks.

Cinderella is being staged at The Everyman Theatre in Cork this year. The pantomime runs from now until January 11, and bills itself as a classic tale of dreams, drama, and a dash to the ball, but with more sparkle, sass, and surprises than ever before. Tickets start at €38.50, and family discounts are available.

Woodies Turner’s Cross, on the Kinsale Rd in Cork, is hosting a free Christmas Family Fun Day from 1pm to 5pm on Saturday, December 6.

There will be a children’s Christmas treasure hunt, face painting, and prizes to be won throughout the day. Register in advance to attend the event on eventbrite.ie.

Children under the age of 14 can make their very own snow globe at the Willow Moon Art Studio in Shanagarry, East Cork, on Sunday, December 7. This workshop runs from 12pm to 4pm and costs €12; book through eventbrite.ie.

Food collection

Tesco Ireland is calling on customers to join them in making Christmas brighter for families in need. Its Stronger Starts Christmas Food Collection is returning to stores this week, from Friday, December 5 to December 7.

Since 2013, Tesco has worked with voluntary organisations to provide more than €2.9m worth of food to households across Ireland. Customers are being asked to buy one item of non-perishable food, like pasta, rice, or tinned food, and place it in the collection trolley in participating Tesco stores. Tesco will top up customer donations by another 20% and then distribute the food nationwide in time for Christmas.