The Donegal County Childcare Team has revealed it has received requests from 530 families for presents for more than 1,300 children this Christmas.
Percy with Donegal County Childcare Committee last year. Pic Clive Wasson
Last weekend the DCCC revealed it was saddened at not being in a position to meet all family’s requests such was the huge volume of requests.
The team at Donegal County Childcare are delighted with the generous response to the Presents for Percy Appeal since the publication of the open letter by DCCC Manager Avril Mc Monagle on Sunday last on Donegal Daily.
Avril said since Monday morning at 9am, members of the public have been dropping by the DCCC Office to lend a hand. We have had everything from small pocket money donations from children to larger donations from businesses.
Transition year students from a secondary school in Falcarrgh are organasing a fundraiser as a school project, shop workers have set up collection boxes and local businesses have pledged donations.
Anonymous individuals have made online donations, young people will be collecting outside a nightclub in Letterkenny at the weekend and Supervalue have put a number of collection points at different branches in place.
Avril’s letter has been viewed almost 15,000 times on the DCCC Facebook page and has been shared widely.
Unlike other appeals for general toys, the Presents for Percy Appeal is unique as it aims to respond to the actual preferred Santa choices of children themselves.
DCCC and the 19 organisations operating as distributers for the appeal, actually purchase specific toys and gifts that children have requested. By taking this targeted approach, parents are prevented from getting into unnecessary debt.
Avril said – currently we have requests on behalf of 530 families with 1,300 children.
To date we have raised €18,000 but still have a shortfall of approximately €10,000. Although the appeal aims to provide a maximum allocation of €50 per child, some organisations have applied for as little as €12 per child. So every small amount makes a huge difference.
A big thank you to everyone so far for supporting the appeal and to the Donegal media for helping us spread the word. If you would like to donate money to the appeal Cheques/Postal Orders can be made payable to the Presents for Percy Appeal, and sent to Donegal County Childcare, 10-11 St Columba’s Terrace, High Road, Letterkenny. Alternatively, if you would like to make an online banking donation to the Presents for Percy Appeal, the banking details are as follows:
Bank: Bank of Ireland, Ballybofey
A/c No: 9264 8110
Sort Code: 90-47-12
IBAN: IE07 BOFI 9047 1292 6481 10
BIC: BOFI IE2D
Our sincere thanks … Avril McMonagle, Manager, Donegal County Childcare
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