Hacketstown donates 300 toys to families in need
Fr Terence McGovern, public health nurse Edel Byrne and Garda Pat Courtney with the toys donated by the parish of Hacketstown Photos: michaelorourkephotography.ie
THANKS to the generosity of the people in Hacketstown, children in need will get fantastic toys this Christmas!
The annual Toy Sunday appeal, which takes place in Hacketstown in the run-up to Christmas, was the biggest yet because, thanks to very generous donations, around 300 toys were bought and donated to families in need in Tallaght.
This remarkable toy appeal was started 30 years ago by Fr Jim McCormack when he came to Hacketstown in 1994, having already served in Tallaght.
“It’s remarkable that something that Fr Jim started 30 years ago is still going on today. This year we got fabulous donations. The people of Tallaght are thrilled; they’re very grateful for the toys that they get,” said Edel Byrne, a native of Hacketstown who works as a public nurse in Tallaght.
Edel will co-ordinate with Sergeant Pat Leahy, a community garda in Tallaght, to distribute the toys among the many families in need.
Fr Jim has now retired but his legacy has continued to thrive, thanks to Edel, Sgt Leahy and current parish priest of Hacketstown Fr Terence McGovern and, of course, the local people.
“We’d like to thank the people of Hacketstown for their generosity and kindness. This year’s toy appeal was excellent,” said Edel.
