Charity appeals for unwanted Christmas gifts in Mid Ulster

The gifts can be donated to their local outlets located in Meadowlane Shopping Centre in Magherafelt, 35 Loy Street in Cookstown, 27 Union Place in Dungannon and 1-5 Barrack Street in Coalisland.

The Society is grateful for all donations of unwanted gifts, clothing and bric-a-brac with the funds raised by the shop staying in the area and used to support the charity’s services for local people in need.

Pauline Brown, regional manager of SVP NI, explained: “Through local volunteers, the charity works to help alleviate poverty in the area and to tackle its causes.

“The Vincent’s charity shops also provide a vital lifeline to those in the community who use the shops to pick-up goods at a low-cost as well as a hub for meeting people and having a friendly chat with our volunteers.

“But importantly they are a vital way for us to raise much needed funds to support and expand our work further into the local community and help even more people in the area. Home visits are the cornerstone of our work and every week thousands of visits are carried out throughout Northern Ireland where we assist families and individuals through social contact, advice and practical support, mainly to help them with food, energy and educational costs.”

She added: “Donations to the shop would be extremely welcome. We would be so grateful if people can have a hunt around after Christmas and set aside any unwanted gifts or perhaps pre-loved toys which Santa has replaced with new ones, which we could then sell in our shop to raise money to help people who find themselves in difficult financial situations. At this time of year many people also take advantage of the January sales and redecorate their homes so if they do have old furniture or electrical items in good condition, we would ask that they consider donating to St Vincent de Paul. We can arrange collection of large items and will be sure to find them a good home.”

To find out more about how to donate or volunteer with SVP NI, please call the local Vincent’s shop in the first instance on 028 7930 1854 (Magherafelt), 028 8676 9400 (Cookstown) or 028 8772 7323 (Dungannon).