Belfast City Mission is again appealing for donations of toys and gifts that will be distributed to homes where otherwise there would be little joy this Christmas.
Last year around 2000 homes were helped through the generosity of people giving toys, groceries and toiletries which were passed on by the staff of the mission.
"Many people wonder how need can still arise in our affluent society," says George Ferguson, Executive Secretary of the Mission. "However our experience is that in many homes children suffer as a result of the lifestyle of their parents. Consequently much of what we do at Christmas is to help children who otherwise wouldn't be receiving any gifts at all."
Gifts come from both individuals and groups of people and last year over 80 Presbyterian congregations held special services where members brought presents along which were then given to the City Mission for distribution. The same is planned this year particularly over the next two Sundays.
This year any gifts should be taken to the Glencairn Belfast City Mission Hall on Forthriver Road where they will be sorted for distribution. Then in the few days before Christmas the gifts will be given to families where the staff based in the 19 City Mission Halls dotted around Belfast know that there is genuine need.
In addition some of the gifts will be distributed among the homeless and used to provide them with a hot meal over the Christmas season.
For people who would like to donate gifts but are unable to deliver them to Glencairn, the Belfast City Mission can be contacted on Tel 028 9032 2284 where alternative arrangements can be made.
Issued by Stephen Lynas, Presbyterian Information Services. Info@PresbyterianIreland.org
PCI Home . . . Press Office . . . News Archive