Church asks for unwanted Christmas gifts
The Catholic Church today urged people to give their unwanted Christmas gifts to a festive scheme that passes them on to the homeless and needy.
The initiative, set up by Fr Pat O'Donoghue in Dublin's Pro Cathedral, is now in its third year and is growing in popularity, according to organisers.
The priest is urging people to leave unwanted presents at the Pro Cathedral's crib from this weekend until the feast of the Epiphany on January 6.
"It may seem ungrateful to be passing on a present that your friend or relative spent time and money purchasing, but most of us will be getting much more than we need or doubles of the same item," he said.
"I think it is a great opportunity for people to consider those who went without this week, and at the same time putting some of our excess to good use."
The gifts will be distributed around Dublin to people who may not have received any presents this year, by Crosscare - the social care agency of the Diocese.
Last year, hundreds of unwanted presents - in perfect condition - were given to people using Crosscare's homeless and food services.
