Special giving tree at Limerick's King John’s Castle will be the collection point for donated toys

A SPECIAL giving tree will be located at King John’s Castle to allow people to donate toys to the Children’s Ark unit at University Hospital Limerick (UHL)

Traditionally the unit would have received Christmas gifts from the public in the lead-up to Christmas every year.

However, due to restrictions on access to hospitals, it is not in a position to accept toys delivered directly to the hospital.

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Discover Limerick Designated Activity Group (DAC) is supporting a Christmas Toy appeal.

General Manager of King John’s Castle Daire Heffernan said: “Being in hospital during the festive season can be very tough and our team at King John’s Castle were eager to do their bit this festive season to help spread a little Christmas joy to those who need it most.

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“Similar to last year, the team will erect a large Christmas-giving tree in the Siege Café located on the grounds of King John’s Castle and we are encouraging locals and visitors to the Treaty City this festive season to spread a little Christmas cheer and simply drop an unwrapped gift into the giving tree donation box,” Daire said.

Commenting on the Christmas toy appeal initiative Play Specialist at the Children’s Ark Unit at University Hospital Limerick Kristina Buckley said "We are delighted to be collaborating with King John’s Castle and Discover Limerick DAC on this very special Christmas Toy Appeal. All donations will be gratefully received and gifted to our child patients throughout the Christmas season. The remaining toys will be used in the Children’s Ark throughout the year.”

“We are grateful for this thoughtful initiative. The gift of play can lighten the load for many and bring smiles to faces. We cannot receive any toys at UHL; they can be gifted directly to King John’s Castle as part of this initiative,” Kristina added.