APPEAL: Garda Brendan O'Donovan says they've received huge support for the 'Christmas Together' campaign but more can be dropped off at Killarney Garda Station. Photo: Michelle Crean

By Michelle Crean

There was a massive outpouring of kindness for the first ever 'Christmas Together' Garda campaign which will see gifts given to 270 older residents in the Killarney community.

After a public appeal, which was featured in the Killarney Advertiser in late November, members of the community stepped up and generously donated gifts which will be given to a number of local nursing homes including St Columbanus Home, Killarney Community Hospital, Killarney Nursing Home on Rock Road and Our Lady of Lourdes Nursing Home in Kilcummin, as well as Heather Lee Nursing Home at Lawlor’s Cross and residents in Holy Cross Gardens Day Care Centre and Oakwood, and Cheshire Home.

However, Garda Brendan O'Donovan is hoping that over the next few days more gifts will be donated to give a little something to healthcare staff also, especially this, the year of COVID.

"People have been ringing, emailing and coming in asking what they can do to help," Garda O’Donovan, who set up the initiative, told the Killarney Advertiser.

"People have been fantastic from businesses to the public. We also have 19 schools involved and will be collecting them next week."

Items they're looking for include non-perishable goods including books, puzzles, personal care products, sweets and products. Donations will be sterilised and isolated for a number of days prior to being distributed on December 22 or 23, he added.

"I'd like to thank everyone for their generosity, and all my Garda colleagues for their support."

All donations can be dropped to Killarney Garda Station or collection can be arranged before December 14 to allow sufficient time to ensure all goods are properly sorted and sanitised – in keeping with COVID-19 guidelines. Gifts should not be wrapped but instead placed in gift bags.

For more information or to contact Brendan with a donation ring 064 6631222 or by email brendan.j.odonovan@garda.ie.