Laois charity shop asks for new toys for children in need

A Laois charity shop is asking the community for help to give local children in need a good Christmas this year.

Vincent's shop in Portlaoise is requesting donations of new toys only, so that the St Vincent de Paul conference committee can help Santa by sharing them out to clients who need them.

Mary Ryan is shop manager. 

She explained more to the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

"We are asking for brand new toys for children up to the age of 12 please. They must be new donations because we have no space to take in large amounts of secondhand toys, that sometimes come with loose bits and pieces.

"They don't have to be expensive, just so we have something for children to open. We can also accept only new cuddly toys, for health and safety reasons.

"We don't have any new toys at the moment," she said.

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The shop beside St Peter & Paul's church on the Dublin Road in Portlaoise is doing a brisk trade in the run-up to Christmas. It has plenty of other seasonal stock, including party dresses and boxed jewellery.

"We are very busy. There are a lot of people that need help. People are always very good to us and we are very grateful," Mary Ryan said.