Christmas has arrived at Jack and Jill’s Mayo charity boutique

CHRISTMAS shoppers in Castlebar can do some good with their purchasing power this festive season by opting to pick up some gifts from their local Jack and Jill Charity Boutique and support local Jack and Jill families by doing so.

Staff and volunteers at the local store in Market Street have been busy stocking the shelves with gorgeous gifts and stocking fillers - offering an array of new and preloved sustainable gift options and also outfits to ensure you stand out this festive season.

All funds raised through sales locally will stay locally to support the 14 children with severe learning disability often associated with complex medical needs currently supported by Jack and Jill’s nursing team in Co. Mayo.

Jack and Jill’s annual Home for Christmas Appeal aims to raise vital funds to provide in-home nursing care and respite support for children with complex medical needs, up to the age of 6. With more children than ever before under Jack and Jill’s care, public support is vital and people can lend this support by purchasing from their local charity boutique, or by shopping or donating online at https://www.jackandjill.ie/.

Local store manager in the Castlebar boutique, Sinead Murray, said customers can expect plenty of choice in store, with everything from unique vintage fashions for that Christmas party, to cookery books, designer candles and Christmas cards.

“At Jack and Jill we are all about quality, value and choice. From stunning dresses and matching handbags to get you dressed for all festive occasion, to gorgeous gifts for all ages, we really do have something for everyone, including our ever-popular sacks of LEGO for €10 - great stocking fillers that will keep little ones entertained for hours.

“For the person who has everything, we have Gift of Time cards. Each donation of €18 funds one hour of home nursing care, giving parents time to do the normal things like Christmas shopping, enjoying a walk with the other siblings, or simply having a nap to recharge - safe in the knowledge that their sick child is well cared for at home. What better gift to give a family this Christmas!”

Sinead added: “Our customers are often surprised to find that many of the items in store are leading brands donated by generous retailers on the high street, while many of our preloved clothes have never been worn and still have their shop labels on. At a time when we are all thinking of how we can help save our planet, it’s good to know that making a purchase at Jack and Jill is the perfect sustainability choice.”

For Stacey Bohanna, head of tetail at Jack and Jill, public support this festive season is crucial to meet the growing demands on the charity.

“With more children under our care than ever before, public support is vital in helping us raise vital funds to provide our service - a service that is a lifeline to 14 families here in Mayo,” she said. “We rely on the support and generosity of our local communities to keep us going and each and every purchase and donation will translate into home nursing care hours and a real gift of time for local children and their families.”

Members of the public can also support Jack and Jill by donating items for sale in the charity boutiques. Clothing, handbags, shoes, accessories, books, ornaments and LEGO are all gratefully accepted. You can also volunteer at your local charity boutique - for more info call (087) 1920344.