AT THIS TIME of year the rooms of your house may be looking a bit cluttered with an array of unwanted festive gifts.

Children’s charity Barnardos are making an appeal to the families of Ireland to consider passing these presents on to a new home – and in turn providing help for a good cause.

Across Ireland the group will work with more than 9,000 children and families in 2015 – and are seeking the public assistance in doing so.

Speaking about the donation drive, Bernadette Harrington, Barnardos’ Shop Manager, said:

Most of us, at one time or another, have received a Christmas gift we could do without – a Christmas jumper two sizes too small, or a DVD we’ve already watched a hundred times! We work with children and their families all year round, and every donation can make a huge difference.

Volunteers 

The charity has seen a decrease in donations in the last number of years while at the same time experiencing an increase in demand.

Barnardos relies on the help of volunteers to run its facilities and carry out its fundraising activities – working with the help of almost 600 individuals in 2013.

In the last year they ran around 40 family support centres around the country to help those with difficulties.

Barnardos has seven stores located around the country, located in Carlow, Wexford, Cork City, Rathmines, Condalkin, Kilbarrack and Dun Laoghaire.

Read: Want to help a young boy whose bike was stolen?

Also: Child missed 17 days of school because they had no lunch – Barnardos