Children urged to help needy with 'thank you' teacher cards

CHILDREN SHOULD “give a helping hand to those most in need” instead of giving Christmas gifts to their teachers, it has been suggested by Crosscare, the social services agency of Dublin’s Catholic archdiocese. It helps more than 70,000 people in Dublin every year – including the homeless, young children in care, and people needing help to just put food on the table.

Children can download a “thank you” card for their teachers from the Crosscare website instead, it has suggested. There is room on each card for a personal message and to list the amount donated to Crosscare.

Crosscare director Conor Hickey said it was “aware that some schools have asked families not to buy gifts for teachers this Christmas, as resources become more constrained. In that spirit we are asking parents instead to say thanks to teachers by supporting our worthy cause and helping those less fortunate.”

He continued: “The money raised through the ‘thank your teacher card’ appeal will make a great difference to the lives of many. For example, €3 can be used to buy a three-course meal in any of the Crosscare food centres located around the city, €10 provides a hospitality pack which includes a toothbrush, shampoo, shower, hot meal, towel and clean clothes for a homeless person and €35 supports one young person for a week in youth aftercare support.”

This appeal was launched by toddlers with the Pro-Cathedral nativity group who took time out from rehearsals last week to help launch the “thank your teacher” campaign at the chapel in Dublin’s Ilac centre. It is estimated that families spend more than €250,000 in gifts for teachers at Christmas – much of which ends up in the bottom of a wardrobe.