Portlaoise charity is screaming out for donations this spooky season

The Jack and Jill Charity Boutique in Portlaoise are asking people to give more treats than tricks this year by donating pre-loved Halloween costumes and décor.

With spooky season well and truly upon us, shops are filled with pumpkins, costumes, and all sorts of ghoulish decorations. However, the Jack and Jill Foundation are reminding people to make responsible decisions around sustainability. 

The Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation is a nationwide charity which provides in-home nursing care and respite support for families caring for children with severe learning disabilities often associated with complex medical needs. This Halloween, Jack and Jill are asking people to put the ‘care into scare’ by donating pre-loved Halloween costumes and décor.  

Anyone who has costumes or accessories in good condition in Laois can drop their goods off at The Jack and Jill Charity Boutique located at Kea-Lew Business and Retail Park in Portlaoise.

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Speaking about the waste that can be amassed around Halloween, Store Manager, Martina Cooper said: "Everyone loves the fun of dressing up at Halloween but very often these costumes may only get one wear before children, and adults too, have outgrown them or just want a different one the following year. 

"It’s a shame to see these fantastic costumes miss out on a second chance to trick or treat here in Laois. As people are now taking out the decorations and costumes and children are planning their spooktacular outfits, we would love if they would think about donating any items no longer needed in order to give them a new lease of life."

Head of Retail at the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation, Stacey Bohanna said that through donating pre-loved Halloween costumes, you can both practise sustainability as well as support a much deserved cause. 

She said: "Purchasing pre-loved items in our charity boutiques is already a great way to shop in a sustainable manner by partaking in the circular economy. We currently support 9 children across Co. Laois so people either donating or purchasing items from us will be directly helping to raise funds for the vital in-home nursing care we provide to those families. 

"In fact, since our foundation in 1997, Jack and Jill has cared for 51 families in Co. Laois so through supporting campaigns like this, the community can help local families by doing something fun, and sustainable too. It’s a win, win for everyone involved!" 

Be sure to pop into the Jack and Jill Charity Boutique this spooky season to either drop off or pick up some pre-loved Halloween goods and support an amazing charity.