Christmas shoppers in Athlone can do some good with their purchasing power this festive season by opting to pick up some gifts from their local Jack and Jill charity boutique and support local families by doing so.
Staff and volunteers at the local store in St Marys Square, have been busy stocking the shelves with gorgeous gifts and stocking fillers – offering an array of new and preloved sustainable gift options and also outfits to ensure you stand out this festive season.
All funds raised through sales locally will stay locally to support the eight children with highly complex medical needs who are currently supported by Jack and Jill’s nursing team in Westmeath.
Jack and Jill hopes to raise €1 million through its Home for Christmas Appeal to provide in home nursing care and respite support for children with severe to profound neurodevelopmental delay, up to the age of six.
With more children than ever before under Jack and Jill’s care including an 8% year on year increase in the charity’s core service, public support is vital in helping raise the €1 million target in this Christmas Appeal. Members of the public can support the appeal by purchasing from their local charity boutique, or by shopping or donating online at www.jackandjill.ie Local store manager in the Athlone Boutique, Sylvia Moorehead, said customers can expect plenty of choice in store – with everything from unique vintage fashions for that Christmas party, to cookery books, designer candles and Christmas cards.
“At Jack and Jill we are all about quality, value and choice. From stunning dresses and matching handbags to get you dressed for all festive occasion, to gorgeous gifts for all ages, we really do have something for everyone, including our ever-popular sacks of LEGO for €10 – great stocking fillers that will keep little ones entertained for hours.
“For the person who has everything, we have Gift of Time cards. Each donation of €18 funds one hour of home nursing care, giving parents time to do the normal things like Christmas shopping, enjoying a walk with the other siblings, or simply having a nap to recharge – safe in the knowledge that their sick child is well cared for at home. What better gift to give a family this Christmas,” Sylvia said.
Sylvia noted that customers are often surprised to find that many of the items in store are leading brands donated by generous retailers on the high street, while many preloved clothes have never been worn and still have their shop labels attached.
“At a time when we are all thinking of how we can help save our planet, it’s good to know that making a purchase at Jack and Jill is the perfect sustainability choice,” Sylvia added.
Jack and Jill was established by parents Jonathan Irwin and Mary Ann O’Brien 25 years ago to help parents keep their child well cared for in the comfort of their own home. It was established in memory of their son Jack Irwin who passed away at home at the age of 22 months on December 13 1996. This vital service has no means test, no waiting list, and no unnecessary paperwork and red tape.
For Carmel Doyle, CEO of the Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation, public support this festive season is crucial to meet the growing demands on the charity.
“With more children under our care than ever before, public support is vital in helping us raise €1 million by Christmas to keep our service going – a service that is a lifeline to 8 families here in Westmeath. We have a big fundraising mountain to climb to keep us going to Christmas, and beyond, and each and every purchase and donation will translate into home nursing care hours and a real gift of time for local children and their families,” Carmel commented.
Members of the public can also support Jack and Jill by donating items for sale in the charity boutiques. Clothing, handbags, shoes, accessories, books, ornaments and LEGO are all gratefully accepted. You can also volunteer at your local charity boutique, for more info call 087 6320225 or fill in the online volunteer form.
