By Cian Molloy - 26 November, 2018
Archbishop Diarmuid Martin visiting one of Dublin’s Crosscare Foodbanks.
Dublin parishioners are being asked to bring something a little extra with them when they go to Mass next Saturday night or Sunday.
Archbishop Diarmuid Martin is calling on the faithful in Ireland’s most populous diocese to support the parish food appeal by bringing along items that can be distributed to those in need via foodbanks operated by Crosscare, the social services arm of the Dublin Diocese.
Items that are particularly needed at this time of year include toiletries and cleaning products, non-perishable foods and festive foods.
“The generosity of parishioners in last year’s food appeal meant that 10,000 emergency hampers were distributed to those most in need before Christmas,” said the Archbishop.
“Crosscare works with many individuals and families throughout the archdiocese who are struggling to make ends meet. The foodbanks provide support with essential food and household items.”
There are seven Crosscare foodbanks in total, located in Brackenstown, Darndale, Glasnevin, Blanchardstown, Dundrum, Jobstown and Dun Laoghaire, with each of them providing help to a wide area. Where possible, parishes taking part in the food appeal are asked to organise delivery of items to their nearest foodbank, rather than relying on Crosscare to collect goods.
In previous years the parish food appeal was held over two weekends, but this year it is only running next weekend. This is to allow Crosscare to distribute thousands of hampers in good time for Christmas.
