St Patrick Centre Giving Tree initiative brings festive cheer

St Patrick Centre Giving Tree initiative brings festive cheer

12 December 2018

THE St Patrick Centre in Downpatrick has organised another ‘Giving Tree’ initiative this Christmas.

The scheme is designed to bring some festive cheer to children in the area on Christmas morning, with staff at the centre dedicated to Ireland’s patron saint once again overwhelmed by the community’s response.

Developed by the centre’s board members in partnership with Social Services, the initiative, which is believed to be one of the first of its kind in Ireland, continues to resonate with local people who have once again been extremely generous with hundreds of people weighing with their support.

The St Patrick Centre says it recognises the needs of families in the area with its director, Dr Tim Campbell, explaining people remove a tag from the tree which could be for a boy or girl and then buy a present for them.

He said the tag also can contain information about what the child’s interests are which can help people choose an appropriate present. The presents are then returned to the centre unwrapped for distribution to local families.

Dr Campbell said centre staff and board members were “humbled” by the support of the local community since the scheme was launched a number of years ago.

“Local people have really got behind the initiative again this year and we have already received so many presents,” he explained. “Since the launch, people have been so generous and this year we are also working with Women’s Aid.”

Dr Campbell described this year’s response as “huge” and confirmed the last day to buy a Christmas present for a child in this Saturday.

“We put the tree up several weeks ago and people have been so generous. We got the idea for the giving tree from some of the centre’s friends organisations in the United States and while we have already received many presents, we know there are many more to come in,” he continued.

“Local people have really got behind this initiative and we are so grateful for their continued to support for families in need at this time of the year.

“The scheme has really taken on a life of its own and we cannot thank people enough for thinking of others at this time of year.”