Christmas Toy Appeal

Barnardos supported by GLS ParcelShops launches Christmas Toy Appeal

Christmas Toy Appeal

Barnardos has launched its annual Christmas Toy Appeal, supported by GLS ParcelShops and the children’s charity is asking shoppers in Roscommon to add the Barnardos Christmas Toy Appeal to their shopping lists this festive season and help make a child’s Christmas.

Every Christmas Barnardos needs gifts for children of all ages, from babies through to teenagers. The charity asks that all gifts are new and unwrapped and has a handy gift guide available on its website, www.barnardos.ie, to help shoppers choose age-appropriate toys and gifts.

For the seventh year running, GLS ParcelShops are supporting the Barnardos Toy Appeal. Drop your gift off at either of the GLS ParcelShops listed below or 180 nationwide by Friday December 16th and it will be delivered to Barnardos in time for Christmas.

The GLS ParcelShops in Roscommon are located in:
– Castlecoote Stores, Main Street, Castlecoote
– Keane’s Centra, Main Street, Athleague

Barnardos works with children of all ages, from infants up to teenagers. Here are some suggestions if you need help in choosing your gift:

Infants and toddlers: Activity toys, pre-school toys
3-6 years: Soft toys, action toys, character toys such as Peppa Pig and SpongeBob SquarePants
7-9 years: Board games, dressing up outfits, books, cars
10-15 years: Books, jewellery, games, music, toiletries, clothes vouchers

Barnardos ask that all gifts for the Toy Appeal are new and worth about €10, in order to ensure that all children get something of equal quality.

If you can’t make it to a GLS location, you can choose to give an online gift of any value by visiting www.barnardos.ie.

Speaking at the launch, Barnardos CEO Fergus Finlay said,

“For most of us, Christmas brings up happy memories. But for many of the families we work with in Barnardos, it can be a burden. Thousands of children and families are facing hardships every day across the country – and we see first-hand the extra pressure they come under at Christmas.”

“We are truly grateful that, for the seventh year running, GLS ParcelShops will make sure every child we work with receives a Christmas gift. Thanks to GLS ParcelShops and all those who so generously donate to the Toy Appeal each year, we can make sure the children and families we work with experience the magic of Christmas.”

Swen Krüger, MD of GLS Ireland, said:

“We are delighted to support the Barnardos Christmas Toy Appeal for the seventh year in a row. The GLS team will travel the length and breadth of the country to ensure that gifts are delivered in time for Christmas. We are thrilled to bring a little magic to the children and families Barnardos works with this Christmas.”

Barnardos provides specialised early intervention and prevention services to over 13,100 children and families in 40 communities across Ireland.