“Joy is a perfect word as Mary’s Meals bring so much joy to the children, their families, their teachers, their communities,” said organiser Patricia Friel.

"We are grateful that the NI Executive listened to us," said Patrick Friel of the SVP, which wants the Dublin government to do the same.

“I am extremely proud of the way the team in Crosscare have responded to the crisis,” said Conor Hickey, director of Crosscare.

“Participants will have to think about and calculate every item they consume. However, this is the reality of hundreds of thousands of people in Ireland every day,” says SVP national president Kieran Stafford.

“For a rich country like Ireland, it is unacceptable that so many people are going without basics,” said Kieran Stafford, National President, SVP.

“Like a Christmas Angel, your gift of hope could bring little miracles to those who need it most this winter,” says SVP national president Kieran Stafford.

The generosity of parishioners last year meant that 10,000 emergency hampers were distributed to those most in need before Christmas.

In the space of three weeks, Kerala received 30 per cent more rain than it would normally receive in the space of a year – and the rainy season isn't over yet.

“The weather forecast for the coming days is expected to be exceptionally cold and to include a significant snowfall. This bad weather will affect and frighten many people across our country.”

Minister notes “the very confidential nature of the work done and the importance of visitation in providing informal supports to people”.

Goods will be used to help stock food banks that help the neediest families and individuals.

“Humanitarian access to vulnerable people is absolutely vital, there must be safe, unrestricted passage of aid to all parts of Syria.”

SVP pays tribute to continued generosity of comedian Brendan O'Carroll & expresses concern about being able to fully meet the needs of those in difficulty.

Appeal on behalf of Limerick's poorest began 33 years ago and more than 6,000 hampers were donated across the city and county last Christmas.

Trócaire commits an initial €400k to support communities impacted by quake in Pakistan and launches emergency appeal for donations.

“Once again the ugly consequences of war have caused multitudes of good people to take great risks as they seek refuge in foreign lands.”

Bishops listen to "heart rending" testimony from Syrian Catholic Archbishop of Iraqi city of Mosul on the plight of his people.

Monumental achievement for a country that reported the highest number of deaths in the largest, longest and most complex outbreak of Ebola since it first emerged in 1976.

Emergency appeal launched: Trócaire requests public's support to help it deliver aid to those in dire need in following massive earthquake.

120 tonnes of non-perishable food donated to help those in need this Christmas.

Faithful and people of goodwill urged to support their neighbour, the vulnerable and the elderly.

Sheer number of refugees is having a devastating impact.

Support for energy, food, laundry costs, replacement of furniture and household costs.