Enable Ireland appeal for goods

Enable Ireland is urging people to get decluttering to make way for Christmas gifts and to pass on any unwanted clothes, gift sets, or homewares to its charity shops.

Unworn clothes with their labels on, designer gear, and unopened gift sets are the fastest-selling items on Enable Ireland shop shelves, according to Aghna Harte of the charity.

“What we don’t want is broken toys and we have more than enough books,” said Ms Harte. “What we want is things in decent condition that other people can get use out of.

“We want quality men and women’s clothing, accessories and homewares in the run-up to Christmas.

“We’re asking people if they’ve done a clear-out and are holding things, planning to bring them in after Christmas, don’t. Bring them in now.”

Enable Ireland’s 21 charity shops nationwide generate funds to support services for a total of 5,500 children and adults with disabilities in Ireland and rely on public and corporate donations for stock.

Enable Ireland’s commercial manager, Oonagh O’Connor, said their shops are packed in the run up to Christmas.

“Every year we require more than €2m in additional funding to meet the costs of delivering our services,” said Ms O’Connor.

“Without this additional income from our shops and fundraising, we would not be able to meet the needs of the children and their families relying on our services.”

The charity can take donations through their nationwide chain of textile banks, in any TK Maxx shop nationwide, directly into any Enable Ireland shop, through corporate and community Bring Back Days, and house collections.

You can also call the charity on 1850 204 304 to organise a collection.