Enable Ireland asks Mayo residents to donate toys and decorations this Christmas

In the run-up to the festive season, the Enable Ireland charity shop on Bridge Street, Castlebar, is calling on local families to think ahead and donate pre-loved toys and Christmas decorations.

All of the profits from each toy and decoration sold will raise vital funds to support Enable Ireland’s disability services across Ireland.

Everyone who donates to the shops as part of the 'Pass Christmas On' campaign will also be entered into a raffle to win a Christmas hamper.

As people start to prepare for Christmas, Enable Ireland is encouraging everyone to take stock of high-quality decorations that are no longer used. Rather than placing them back in the attic to be overlooked for yet another Christmas, the public can ‘pass Christmas on’ by donating these forgotten favourites to Enable Ireland.

Equally, parents, grandparents and guardians are encouraged to consider what toys their children no longer play with – or perhaps never did – and, if they’re in good condition, donate them to the Enable Ireland Castlebar charity shop.

The appeal comes as the shop typically receives a surge of donated toys and Christmas decorations at the start of the new year. However, in the weeks before Christmas, many people on tighter budgets visit the shop looking for affordable gifts and festive items.

By donating toys and decorations early, families can make a real difference – reducing waste and giving these items a second life, all while supporting Enable Ireland’s vital disability services. Everyone who donates toys and decorations to the Castlebar shop will be entered into a raffle to win a Christmas hamper. Tickets can also be purchased to enter the raffle, with all funds raised supporting Enable Ireland’s disability services. A winner will be announced at the end of November.

Oonagh O’Connor, head of commercial at Enable Ireland, said: “Our shops are on a mission to extend the joy of Christmas by finding forgotten toys and decorations a new home in time for the holidays. Many of us have built up boxes of decorations over the years. If you have decorations in great condition that won’t be decked in your halls, our shops would love to accept them!

“Likewise, sorting through your children’s toys before Christmas is a wonderful opportunity to teach them about sustainability, reducing waste, and helping others. The decorations and toys your family donate could bring joy to another family’s Christmas – and every sale helps fund Enable Ireland’s vital services.”

All profits from the Castlebar charity shop – located on Bridge Street – go directly towards Enable Ireland’s disability services, supporting over 13,000 children and adults nationwide. Items that cannot be sold are responsibly recycled or repurposed through Enable Ireland’s recycling partners, ensuring minimal waste.

Enable Ireland is also currently accepting clean, good-quality clothes, shoes, handbags, accessories, towels, linens, homeware, glassware, collectables, books and unwanted gifts at its Castlebar shop. Due to disposal costs, the shop cannot accept electrical items, broken goods, or soiled items. For more information, visit www.enableireland.ie.