The Women’s Aid ABCLN Christmas Pyjama Appeal aims to ensure that children living in refuge or within our communities, affected by domestic abuse can experience dignity, comfort, and some festive cheer this Christmas. Accepting donations until 10 December, designated drop-off points include Antrim Civic Centre, Mossley Mill, Antrim Castle Gardens Gift Shop and Ballyclare Town Hall. All donations will be collected and distributed by Women’s Aid ABCLN, reaching women and children across the Borough in need of support. Gift cards will also be accepted.
The Christmas Toy Scheme will run until the 7 December, with collection containers at the Council’s Household Recycling Centres for the donation of gently used toys. All toys collected will be processed and redistributed by Habitat for Humanity Northern Ireland, supporting local families through a special ‘ReStore Pop-up Toy Event’ on Friday 5 December, from 10.30am to 2.30pm, at Muckamore Community Centre. The event is being delivered in partnership with Muckamore Parish Development Association. The initiative gives families the opportunity to select toys at minimal cost, helping to spread joy while easing some of the financial pressures often felt during the Christmas season.
The Stuff a Bus initiative helps ensure no one in Northern Ireland goes hungry this Christmas. Delivered by Translink in partnership with FareShare NI, Belfast Live, and U105, the campaign provides vital food support to families and individuals facing hardship during the festive season. Up until 18 December, the Council will provide food collection points at Mossley Mill, Antrim Civic Centre and Ballyclare Town Hall.
Everyone is encouraged to donate non-perishable food items all of which will be distributed directly to local food banks, community groups, schools, and frontline charities across Northern Ireland.
Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick said,
“Christmas is meant to be a wonderful time of year, but unfortunately there are people in our Borough who are less fortunate than others. We have a fantastic community spirit across Antrim and Newtownabbey, and I am hopeful that we can all come together and support these campaigns, whether it be purchasing an extra pair of pyjamas or some food items, I’d like to encourage everyone, to help those in need this festive season.”
For more details on the Christmas initiatives, visit www.antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/Christmas