Students urged to lend 'helping hand'

As the school year approaches its end Dublin school children are being asked to say thanks to teacher in a very special way, by offering a helping hand to those most in need.

Crosscare, which has been helping people in the capital for over 70 years, is asking the children to make a donation to its work instead of buying teacher the usual gifts of flowers and chocolates.

In return the children can download a specially designed `Thank You Teacher Card’ from their website and add their own personal message.

Crosscare provides care and support to the most vulnerable people in the city through their range of education, counselling, food and housing support programmes.

Its director Conor Hickey said: “We are aware how scarce money is now for families and we feel that the token of a gift of gratitude to your teacher is important. Rather than spend money on something that may well end up not being used we are offering an alternative that can add real value to someone’s life while at the same time letting the teacher know that you appreciate them and their efforts over the year.”

He said that Crosscare “has seen an increased demand in our services over the last four years. Our meals programme now delivers over 200,000 meals per year and our housing and welfare information service had nearly 5,000 contacts over the last 12 months. The money raised through the `Thank Your Teacher’ appeal will make a great difference to the lives of many.”

Crosscare food centres provide three-course meals to people for €3.00, and meals on wheels to hundreds more who are living alone, are isolated and in need of support.

Parents can log on at www.crosscare.ie and download this extra special gift for teachers.