Toy Drops?

Rev. BlueJeans

Said I'd drop (no pun intended) a quick thread here, in case this is happening again this year. And to volunteer again*, of course

So, I'm available to purchase and/or distribute a set amount of non fluffy toys (for those who don't know, hospitals can't accept cuddly stuff due to health reasons) in Cork/Waterford, together with anyone else who may be able to join me and the wife. Large spanking new transit hi-roof available, so space not an issue.

(*Along with junkyard, and ned78-we did the Cork drop two years ago, unfortunately that didn't happen last year, but hopefully we can make up for that this time around!)

kensutz

I may be available for Cork/Waterford/Dublin.

nkay1985

I should be available for Waterford drops most of the time. For longer haul ones, I might need a bit of advance notice but would be happy to help if I can.

Dord

I don't have any transport but I'm available if anyone in Dublin needs a hand. I live in the city center.

Owen

I'm available in Cork too for drops Rev, just like old times - without the Eddie Rockets!

DeVore

Ok, cool. What I *really* need , are targets. Here's the deal:

1. residential or somewhat residential childrens charities.

2. Capable of taking the "gifts" and using them over the entire year preferably (ie: we dont usually give individual kids specific "gifts"... its more about buying something recreational for the charities.

3. A list of "recreational stuff" they need. It doesnt even have to be open at xmas, we deliver stuff right up to March believe it or not. Our definition of "recreational stuff" is very wide... just about anything that improves the "quality of life" for the kids and isnt medical will probably fly. To put it in context, I find it hard to give away all the stuff the money can buy so I'm very flexible


If you can find targets like that, we can plan to hit them.

DeV.

Rev. BlueJeans

Cheers, Tom. I'll do a bit of digging Lee/Suirside (regionally speaking) over the next few days and come up with a few options for you.

Off the top of my head CUH (the primary hospital in Cork) comes to mind once more.

I think that this time around though-wherever we drop the goods, we should accompany them with some sort of flier or something. I was met the last time with bewildered, although very grateful staff where we visited, despite explanation

Owen

I had one nurse almost break into tears in the Mercy Hospital in Cork. They'd clearly made an effort themselves to bring some festive cheer to the ward, decorations, Santa hats, music, Christmas trees, cards, so our contribution was (IMHO) gratefully received as the cherry on top of the cake. I saw one little guy's eyes light up from his bed when he saw the toys.

I'd love to do a drop again at the Mercy if possible. They seem to be on the same page as us!

DeVore

Terrific, thats what we want to hear!!

Rev, Barretstown got a state of the art computer and printer, cameras and scanner one year, all brand new and top of the line. We left it for them on the door step, they came out, examined it, and phoned the police. The presumed it was stolen and left to them by someone with a troubled conscience

Luckily enough, the cops told them to keep it! (and we mailed them afterwards )

That shock of "what the..?", bewilderment and looks of joy is *exactly* what the SSF is about. :)

So, cool, we have two targets there now (I presume CUH and Mercy are different hospitals?)

DeV.

Rev. BlueJeans

They are indeed. I'd guess the Ardkeen in Waterford would be another option

Agent Smith

How about Enable Ireland ? they do work for kids with Cerebral Palsy

http://www.enableireland.ie/about


They can tell you excatly what they need.;


Scouting ireland is also a registered charity

DeVore

The scouts are hardly sick

Does Enable Ireland have location that the gifts can reside in? (Suppose we got them an xbox ... where is it going to reside? we need somewhere which has a communal area for kids).

DeV.

DeVore

Actually Enable Ireland looks great! Do you know anyone on the inside AS? We could do with a list of "things they could use in their locations" kinda like a Santa Wish List... that has worked very well for us in the past...

f*ck you know what... thats just given me a mad good idea for next year....

This entire process could be automated by creating a wish list system and simply exposing that to the public and let the public act as "Santa". Ok, I'll put that in the back of my head, for this year though... we could really do with knowing what these people would want if they could "ask Santa".

DeV.

cheekay

free in galway for any drops or anything..let me know.enable ireland have respite homes where there are common recreational rooms so they could use the stuff there

nkay1985

I must ask my Dad if he can think of any in Waterford. He would have worked with a lot of charities in town. I know Children's Group Link is a local children's charity anyway.

tSubh Dearg

I'm putting a word in again for RehabCare and the Children's Sunshine Home/LauraLynn House.

If you're interested I can contact the RehabCare guys again and see if there's anything they need/want.

Enable Ireland

Hi,

Just to let you know - I think this is a lovely project.

Just for your own information, we (Enable Ireland) have a pre school, school, centre (where children with disabilities would come for therapy appointments, that would also have family and sibling rooms), and respite locations in Cork that would benefit greatly from your generosity.

If you'd like more details, please feel to contact me on communications@enableireland.ie

Thanks

Aghna

DeVore

*boom*... headshot...

DeV.

Orion

How about Saplings. I'm not involved but a workmate has his autistic son there and there are two kids in my kids school along with a dedicated SNA from there. They do fantastic work. I could get in touch and see what they need if that helps.

DeVore

Brillian Macros, if you could inquire and see what kind of entertainment/quality-of-life stuff they could use that would be brilliant.

DeV.

Orion

Will do - I'll speak to my workmate this morning and either get him to ask or get a name to speak to. I'll let you know.

Orion

I just spoke with the secretary of Saplings - the manager is off today. She'll speak to the manager tomorrow and they'll do up a wish list. I'll send that to you when I get it.

the_syco

There's a place in Celbridge, Co. Kildare called "St Raphael's" (also known as St Raphael's Hospital), which is ran by St. John of God. It's a "a home for intellectually disabled boys". They're a registered charity (number: CHY3822) and they can be contacted at donations@sjog.ie

nkay1985

How are we coming along with this Dev? Have you got a few good targets in each area?

Orion

DeVore wrote: »

Brillian Macros, if you could inquire and see what kind of entertainment/quality-of-life stuff they could use that would be brilliant.

DeV.

Just PM-ed you Saplings' wishlist.

DeVore

nKay.... we can always fit in more!!

Macros, thanks...

DeV.

blackiebest

Hi DeVore, I am just getting my head around all this, am I correct in saying that if I can supply you with a list of 'recreational equipement' needs from a worthy childrens facility then there is a chance SSF can source some or all. I live in Sligo and really like the idea of helping out in some way in my local area and there are many Sligo Boardsies who would help with any logistics.

I am thinking of two places, one a special needs school and the other, well I guess a bigger special needs school. ??

BB

bumblebeedee

Hi there.. I'm a volunteer with SVP and we organised a kids party today. Luckily, we were fortunate enought to have received a huge amount of donations of toys and gifts... and we have many left over, for all age groups. Is there anywhere we could drop these? we can arrange drop-off... We'd hate to see the toys not given to kids before christmas... thanks!

DeVore

We dont have the space to accept toy donation.

hit went in on enable ireland over the weekend.

bumblebeedee

Thanks DeVore.. I've left messages today with a few different charities...hopefully 1 will be interested.