People urged to donate leftover presents

THAT extra pair of Christmas socks, that jumper you didn’t need, the book you have already read — there might just be a solution.

The Dublin Diocese yesterday launched its Unwanted Christmas Gifts Appeal, urging people to bring their leftover presents to Dublin Cathedral.

Staff at the cathedral have asked for any unwanted gifts to be brought to the crib. They will then be given out to people around the city who may not have received anything at Christmas.

The appeal is in its sixth year and the man behind the original idea, Fr Pat O’Donoghue, said: “Despite the difficult economic times we are in, we have found that people have been even more considerate since times got tough.”

The items can be left at the crib until January 6.

They will then be given to the charity Crosscare, who will distribute the gifts to those most in need.

Last year’s appeal resulted in seven van-loads of unwanted presents, meaning thousands of people received a gift through the year, including birthday presents for teenagers living in the care system, people experiencing homelessness, and others.

Fr O’Donoghue said “The essence of the initiative is the fact that most of us received much more than we need and just one unwanted gift given back could bring some happiness to others in our community who will be struggling with various difficulties in life in 2012.”