Why we should keep church gate collections

He who has a heart full of love always has something to give!

With regard to the recent suggestion that church gate collections should be abolished (except St Vincent de Paul) I write as someone who helped voluntarily with church gate collections for almost 30 years in connection with a group who visited the elderly all over the city, providing principally company and, when necessary fuel, food and help with ESB bills, etc, for some of those we visited.

The church gate collection was one main source of revenue and it really helped us elevate the hardship being experienced by many of the elderly at the time.

So many associations ie the deaf, mental health, Samaritans, Edel House and more very deserving causes depend greatly on church gate collections.

Nowadays, in particular, with so many cutbacks, these have become so important to the various organisations.

Whilst it is appreciated that times are tough for so many people now with extra charges — ie property, water, etc — the church gate collections are a vital source of revenue/income for the various groups and it would be detrimental to many of them if they were to be discontinued.

Cork people are very generous and caring and it is a voluntary contribution and it would be such a blow to so many if the collections were to cease.

It is vital to help those who are less fortunate in our society and charity begins at home.

Admittedly, some collectors are not adhering to the regulations set down by law ie that the collectors should not stand in the church ground but outside on the public pathway.

If these were to be enforced and complied with it would certainly improve the situation. There is a greater need now more than ever to help our fellow citizens.

Think of the story of the widow’s mites — she had so little but still gave some of what she had.

Sheila Barry

Blackrock

Cork