Help sick children in Laois at Portlaoise charity shop

Christmas shoppers in Portlaoise 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 Jack and Jill families by doing so.

Staff and volunteers at the boutique located in Kealew Business Park have been busy stocking the shelves with gorgeous gifts and stocking fillers – offering an array of new and preloved sustainable gift options and outfits to ensure you stand out this party season.

All funds raised through sales locally will stay locally to support the 10 children with highly complex medical needs who are currently supported by Jack and Jill’s nursing team in Laois. 

Jack and Jill hopes to raise €1 million through its Home for Christmas Appeal to provide in-home nursing care and respite help for children with severe to profound neurodevelopmental delay, up to the age of 6. 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. 

Local store manager in the Portlaoise Boutique, Martina Cooper, 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 occasions, 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.

Martina added: “Our 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 of our preloved clothes have never been worn and still have their shop labels on! 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.”

Jack and Jill was set up 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 homes. It was established in memory of their son Jack Irwin who passed away at home at the age of 22 months on 13th December 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 10 families here in Co. Laois. 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.” 

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 1486817 or fill in the online volunteer form.

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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