Whitewater is collecting Xmas gifts to give to children's charity

Whitewater Shopping Centre in Newbridge is asking customers to donate presents to its Barnardos Christmas Toy Appeal over the next two weeks.

The goods will be distributed to over 13,100 children and families through more than 40 Barnardos centres in deprived communities.

Whitewater will be collecting gifts at the Whitewater Giving Tree on the ground floor until Friday, December 9.

Ideally,  gifts could include pajamas, socks, slippers and dressing gowns as well as learning toys such as arts and craft materials.

Whitewater bosses said that to ensure that each child receives a gift of equal value, toys or gifts should be worth approximately €10 upwards.

For the purpose of distribution, Barnardos ask that donors kindly leave gifts unwrapped.

Centre Manager Ingrid Ryan said: “Christmas is all about children, family and the magic of the Season. Sadly, for many little children, this is not the case.

"Whitewater has always been a family-focused centre, so this year we encourage our customers to consider these forgotten children as they shop for loved ones.

"It is our sincere hope that no child will feel forgotten this year and so we invite our customers to join with us and make a child’s Christmas this year by dropping off a suitable item at the Whitewater Giving Tree” .

For more information, please visit www.barnardos.ie and  www.whitewatersc.ie.