Portumna

<h2>1. CarePack.ie - send a small gift to a care home anywhere in Ireland</h2>
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<p style="text-align:left;">Care Pack emerged last month as a fantastic service that helps communities send small care packages to residents of elderly care facilities all over Ireland.</p>
<p>Due to An Post's waiving of postage fees to these homes until 31/01/21, letters and packages up to 2kg are free to send — you only need to purchase small token gifts, such as magazines or knitting wool, to go inside them.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Go to <a href="https://carepack.ie/" target="_self">carepack.ie</a> to find out more on how to connect with a resident in your county.</p>
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<h2 style="text-align:left;">2. The Purple House Anthology of New Writing — support cancer services with the gift of Irish storytelling&nbsp;</h2>
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<p style="text-align:left;">Purple House, Ireland's 1st community-based cancer support centre, celebrated it's 30th anniversary this year.&nbsp;</p>
<p>They provide cancer support and psychological help to individuals and families affected by the disease and have launched this beautiful collection of stories, essays and poetry by some well-known Irish writers to raise funds for their essential community centre and counselling services.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Valued at €13.95, the book can be purchased <a href="https://www.purplehouse.ie/product/the-music-of-what-happens/" target="_self">here</a>, as and shipped to anywhere in Ireland, the UK or the United States.&nbsp;</p>
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<h2 style="text-align:left;">3. SVP Annual Appeal — donate to a struggling family in your community</h2>
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<p style="text-align:left;">After a tumultuous year, many families in our communities will struggle this Christmas to buy gifts for their children, pay their rent and heating bills, or buy food for Christmas dinner.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align:left;">The Society of St Vicent de Paul has launched a number of virtual initiatives that are safe and easy to support from home. Using their website, you can donate a sum to their gift appeal, buy a hamper (i.e. a food voucher) for someone in need, or buy a €5 Empty Toy Box from your local Vicents shop that contributes to the price of a toy for a hopeful child.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align:left;">Visit their website for more information and ideas on how to get involved at <a href="https://svp.ie/appeal-2020" target="_self">SVP Annual Appeal</a>.</p>
<h2 style="text-align:left;">4. Give Blood — a simple, free way to make an impact this Christmas season&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>
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<p>The Irish Blood Transfusion Service is always in need of donations from eligible blood donors hailing from every part of the country. If you'd like to give back this winter but can't afford to donate too much of your money or time, try to give blood at a clinic near you.&nbsp;</p>
<p>If you haven't donated before, take the eligibility quiz on their website to find out if you meet their minimum criteria. You can then call and book an appointment at a nearby clinic, where precautions are in place to ensure the safety of donors and staff.</p>
<p>Consult <a href="https://www.giveblood.ie/" target="_self">giveblood.ie</a> for more information and contact details.&nbsp;</p>
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<h2>5. Shop Local — buy locally-made gifts and foods to support livelihoods</h2>
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<p>Wherever possible, try to purchase Christmas gifts and festive foods from outlets in your town this year. Independent shops and producers will be struggling the most to keep their doors open and provide for their own families, which is why your purchase of a turkey from your local butcher or a pair of boots from a local fashion boutique will mean so much more.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Check out newsagents or supermarkets in your community to find Christmas cards, calendars, diaries and other small gifts issued by charities in your area, or visit shops and stalls that sell handmade goods by local creators.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Visit <a href="https://justbuyirish.com/" target="_self">JustBuyIrish.com</a> to find personal and homeware gifts designed by Irish producers available to order online with delivery to your home.&nbsp;</p>


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