AS the cost of living continues to rise, families in Letterkenny are facing increasing difficulty putting food on the table and keeping their homes heated.
It has emerged that in 2025, the Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVP) assisted 638 local families with a total of €277,886 in support. The majority of this funding – over €202,000 – was spent on food and groceries.
Details shared with the Donegal News reveal that fuel costs accounted for close to €20,000, while almost €40,000 was spent on education needs across primary, secondary and third-level studies, a growing area of assistance for local conferences.
Hospital bills, particularly overnight stays for sick children at Crumlin Children’s Hospital in Dublin and in Galway, have also contributed to rising expenses for families.
The figures reflect an all-time high in demand for support among families.
With rising costs showing no signs of easing, SVP Letterkenny is emphasising that help is available to anyone struggling to make ends meet.
The Society urged anyone in need to reach out without hesitation, “everything is treated in complete confidence,” they said.
Reflecting on the figures, SVP highlighted the community’s resilience and generosity.
“If there’s anything positive to be gained from these figures, it must be how the community rallies around to help the people in most need in difficult times,” a spokesperson said.
The Society said it depends almost entirely on the generosity of the public to carry out its work in Letterkenny.
“Our two busy shops in town, one on Lower Main Street and the other at the Station Roundabout provide essential income and thankfully sales in both shops are booming.
“Most of the items donated to our shops are sold to help fund this expenditure, but we are also able to channel many of these items directly to needy families.”
Christmas
The Society’s expenditure tends to peak during the winter months, particularly in the weeks leading up to Christmas, when demand for support is at its highest. Thankfully, this is also when public generosity is strongest.
SVP Letterkenny has expressed heartfelt thanks to everyone who has contributed, whether through cash donations, church gate collections, local businesses or by donating items for sale in their shops.
“We’re deeply grateful for every donation, big or small. Thank you for helping us to help those families in need.”
Volunteers who assist in collections, in the shops or by organising fundraising events also play a vital role in supporting local families.
As costs continue to rise, the Society urges the community to continue rallying together.
They welcome new people to volunteer either in their shops or with conference visitation work.
If interested, please contact any of their members on 074 9129503 or get details on the SVP website.