Refugee donations rolling in
"It has just been amazing response," says Iseult O'Donoghue, pictured above with Daniel, Emma Herlihy and Siobhan Purves at the Kilcullen Community Childcare & Education Centre, where the collection is based today until mid-afternoon.
"From the moment we opened at 11 this morning, there's been a constant stream of people coming with donations, including cash. People are really showing they care about the plight of the refugees."
The group managing this morning's effort emphasise that people wishing to donate should check the list (republished below) and NOT bring toys or food, which can't be brought in the convoy leaving Dublin for Calais on 29 August.
Mens and childrens clothing are particularly needed, including underwear, as well as toileteries for both men and women. "We would also like to have boxes to transport the sorted donations in."
Today's collection is due to end at 3pm, but there's a Facebook page through which people can keep in touch with the initiative, and find out how they can help in coming days.
Items needed: Trainers size 7-9; Hiking boots size 7-9; Wellies size 7-9; tents; jackets small and medium; travelling bags; socks (adult); candles; belts; tracksuit; trousers; blankets; jeans size 28-32; smartphones (with sim); sleeping bags; soap; shampoo; toothbrushes/toothpaste; plastic bags/strong refuse bags; woolen hats; underwear; pots.
Lower Priority needed: womens clothes and shoes; children's clothes and shoes; jumpers and sweaters; nappies/baby-wipes; feminine hygiene products.
