A Christmas Toy Story – Making Christmas 2020 a little more special for vulnerable families

2020 has been a very challenging year for everyone. Covid-19 has impacted on our lives in so many unexpected ways. During the first lockdown in March, Empower got involved with helping families with donated items such as food and toiletries, to help them get over a very unexpected and difficult time.

We are still dealing with the fall-out from the virus this holiday season and with so many people facing an uncertain Christmas, Empower decided to continue to support families in need for the festive period and put the word out into the community, that any toy donations for children would be greatly appreciated. People have been very generous, and we are delighted to have received so many toys and gifts from various groups and individuals.

We received very kind toy donations from staff members in the local DEASP office in Blanchardstown, Castleknock Community Centre, Market Green Montessori, BMYI, St. Vincent de Paul, personal donations from Empower staff members, friends and families; We also kindly received e-vouchers for Smyths Toy Store from many people in the community who also wanted to play a part in making Christmas 2020 somewhat more special for children this year.

Empower members of staff prepared, assigned, packaged and arranged delivery of donations to over 300 recipient families in need, across the Fingal area. These included client families of Empower and other vulnerable groups such as the Roma Community, the Travelling Community and those families who receive support services from the Aster Family Group.

Food and toiletry parcels were also delivered to all families in addition to children’s toys and were gratefully received. COVID-19 Health and Safety procedures were observed during the entire operation, by all staff involved in the initiative.

Empower would like to thank each and every person who donated to our appeal, your generosity has made a huge difference to many children and families this Christmas time.

It’s so important that every child can experience the magic and sparkle of the season!