In pictures: Foróige The Deck bring gifts to Donegal Town Community Hospital

Members of Foróige The Deck presented Christmas Care Hampers to the patients at Donegal Town Community Hospital on Friday afternoon. Please click on the arrows to go through the gallery

The thoughtfulness and efforts of a group of young people in Donegal Town has enhanced the lives of patients in Donegal Community Hospital this Christmas. 

The Deck Foróige Club held a recent fundraiser to assemble care hampers and goodie baskets for the residents of the hospital.

A spokesperson for The Deck said: “This was the second such venture, as earlier in the year they had raised funds to purchase a hot/cold fan for the Hospice Unit at the Community Hospital.  

“With the surplus money raised, they had delivered care hampers and goodie baskets to the residents and on seeing how much their efforts were appreciated, the group decided to run a similar fundraiser to make up more hampers, just in time for Christmas.”

The young people reached out to Director of Nursing at the Community Hospital, Susan Rose, and together they drew up a list of items for the hampers. They then set about gathering Bric a Brac items, which were sold at a recent Christmas Market held in Inver Community Hall. 

The group shopped local for all the goods on their list, and picked up some tasty festive treats along with some music CDs. 

“They met at The Deck Club after finishing school, and worked together to assemble the hampers,” continued the spokesperson. 

“They then made their way to the hospital where they met with some of the residents and delivered their gifts.  

“The young people introduced themselves and talked about what they do at The Deck, and even joined the residents in singing a few Christmas tunes. 

“Working as a volunteer with Foróige is tremendously rewarding. You see the quietest of young people grow in confidence through their interactions with each other, as well as their wider community.  

“It is fulfilling to witness their realisation of how they, as individuals, can contribute and enrich the lives of others within their community, even with the smallest of gestures and the giving of their time.”