Roadworks lead to 20% drop in donations

Enable Ireland has issued an urgent appeal for donations after road works contributed to a 20% drop in donations to its Cork city charity shops.

The charity, which provides services to children with disabilities from its centre in Ballintemple and to adults from a centre in Little Island, said several factors, including the Christmas rush, are to blame.

But a spokeswoman said long-term roadworks in the city centre have played a major role in the decline in donations to its North Main St outlet in particular.

This outlet, and the charity’s shop on Oliver Plunkett St, have seen donations fall by some 20% in the last few weeks alone, she said.

“Long-term roadworks have affected donations to the North Main St shop in particular for the last 12 months. There is ongoing competition from cash-for-clothes outlets and, now, the busy Christmas period means people simply don’t have the time to clear our their homes of unwanted items.”

She issued a special appeal for quality clothing, bric-a-brac, accessories, toys, books, and DVDs.

Laura Murphy, manager of the Oliver Plunkett St shop, said all donations are gratefully received, and she urged people to consider doing a pre-Christmas clear out of their homes.

“You can drop your donations into either of our shops if you’re passing, or in to our textile banks,” she said.

“You can drop your donations directly in to TK Maxx in Cornmarket and you’ll be certain we’ll get them, or failing all that you can call us to arrange a collection. We’ll gladly receive your donations and you can be sure they will be put to good use.”

Profits made from the sale of donated items support the charity’s work in providing a range of services to children and adults with disabilities.

The charity’s spokesperson also encourage people to consider donating unwanted Christmas gifts after the holiday period.

Contact Enable Ireland to arrange the collection of certain items on tel [phone].