Mayo families invited to give forgotten Christmas toys and decorations a new home and support charity

Enable Ireland is appealing to families across Mayo to donate pre-loved toys and Christmas decorations to its Castlebar charity shop as part of its Pass Christmas On campaign.

The shop on Bridge Street is encouraging people to give unwanted festive items a second life, with all profits from their sale going directly towards supporting Enable Ireland’s disability services.

Everyone who donates toys or decorations to the Castlebar shop will be entered into a raffle to win a Christmas hamper. Raffle tickets will also be available to purchase, with all proceeds supporting Enable Ireland’s services. The winner will be announced at the end of November.

Enable Ireland said its shops typically receive a surge in donations of toys and decorations in the New Year, but many people on tighter budgets visit in the weeks before Christmas in search of affordable gifts and festive items.

By donating early, families can help make these items available when they are most needed, while reducing waste and giving quality pre-loved goods a new home.

Families are being encouraged to look through toys that children have outgrown or no longer use, while households are asked to consider donating decorations that have been stored away and are unlikely to be used again.

Oonagh O’Connor, Head of Commercial at Enable Ireland, said the campaign was about extending the joy of Christmas while raising funds for essential services.

“Our shops are on a mission to extend the joy of Christmas by finding forgotten toys and decorations a new home in time for the holidays,” she said. “Sorting through your children’s toys before Christmas is a wonderful opportunity to teach them about sustainability, reducing waste, and helping others.”

“The decorations and toys your family donate could bring joy to another family’s Christmas – and every sale helps fund Enable Ireland’s vital services,” she added.

The shop is currently accepting good-quality pre-loved toys and Christmas decorations, as well as clean clothing, shoes, handbags, accessories, towels, linens, homeware, glassware, collectables, books and unwanted gifts.

Due to disposal costs, electrical items, broken goods and soiled items cannot be accepted.

People wishing to support the campaign can drop donations into the Enable Ireland Charity Shop on Bridge Street, Castlebar.

Further information is available on the Enable Ireland website.