Athlone Family Resource Centre issues Christmas food and toy appeal

The Athlone Family Resource Centre has reached out to the public for support in its annual Christmas food and toy appeal.

Each year, the resource centre commits to supporting local families most in need at Christmas by aiming to provide food hampers, food vouchers, toys and other essential items to help to 'restore dignity and reduce food poverty in our community'.

Due to the demand for basic food support in the run-up to December, the centre has this year launched its appeal sooner than usual.

There are several ways to support the Christmas Appeal. People, companies and businesses can make direct donations through https://www.idonate.ie/cause/athlonefrc

New, unopened toys and non-perishable food can be dropped to a Family Resource Centre drop-off point, and if anyone wishes to donate in this way, they should contact the centre for further information.

Food vouchers for supermarkets such as Tesco, Lidl and SuperValu are also welcome, while the centre is also encouraging people to organise fundraising events such as Chirtsmas Jumper Days in schools and workplaces.

The centre said: 'We have witnessed first-hand the incredible impact the Christmas Food Appeal has had on families in our community over the years, and we are incredibly grateful for the amazing support we receive every year. We also understand that not everyone can afford to donate. You can still help by simply sharing the appeal and helping us reach those who can.

Our Christmas wish is to exceed last year’s target, so we can extend our supports as the need continues to grow'. Athlone Family Resource Centre can be contacted through https://www.afrc.ie/ or its various social media platforms.