Christmas Toy Appeal to support Donegal families

THE Donegal Christmas Toy Appeal is returning for its fourth consecutive year, once again in partnership with Lifestart Services.

This much-loved community initiative has grown from strength to strength, supporting hundreds of children across County Donegal who are experiencing poverty.

Each year, the appeal invites members of the public to take part as Secret Santas, purchasing gifts to ensure that every child can experience the joy of Christmas.

Since its beginning, the Donegal Toy Appeal has made a meaningful difference to families across the county by easing financial pressure and spreading festive cheer.

Mary Walker Callaghan, Regional Manager at Lifestart Services CLG, said: “The organisation is “a home visiting, child development, parent education and family support service working with hundreds of families in Donegal.

“This is the 4th year of our Christmas toy appeal, giving hundreds of children all over the county the opportunity to experience the magic and wonder of Christmas. We appreciate the community support towards our mission to make sure no child gets left behind or forgotten this Christmas.”

GENEROSITY

Speaking about the appeal, Louise McCormack, who set up the Donegal Toy Appeal back in 2022 in conjunction with Lifestart Services, shared: “We often don’t realise what our neighbours are going through and the pressure that families are under just to pay the bills. We have hundreds of volunteers now, some with us for their fourth year, who have made being a Secret Santa part of their own annual family tradition.

“The generosity and kindness shown by people in Donegal every year continues to amaze us. When the volunteer secret santa’s are matched, they are given the age and gender of a child, or sometimes children if they opt to buy for multiple.

“They will of course be aware that the child’s family is experiencing poverty and working with support services through Lifestart. Every toy donated brings joy to a child who might otherwise go without, and that’s what the Donegal Toy Appeal is all about, community, compassion, and a little Christmas spirit.”

The Donegal Toy Appeal 2025 is now open for sign-ups. Anyone who wishes to take part can register to become a Secret Santa by completing the online form via https://forms.gle/BspG3MknfK6amidc6

For more information, email: mary.walkercallaghan@lifestartservices.org