The public is being requested to leave any unwanted or unnecessary Christmas presents at the crib in Dublin's Pro-Cathedral between now and the feast of the Epiphany, January 6th.
After that date they will be distributed around Dublin city by Crosscare to people who may not have received a present this year.
Crosscare is the social care agency of the Catholic archdiocese.
Last year it gave hundreds of unwanted presents, in perfect condition, to people availing of its homeless or food services and those residing in sheltered accommodation.
This very successful initiative was begun by Fr Pat O'Donoghue in the Pro-Cathedral for Christmas 2005 and has been growing in popularity every year since.
Fr O'Donoghue said, "it may seem ungrateful to be passing on a present that your friend or relative spent time and money purchasing, but most of us will be getting much more than we need or doubles of the same item. I think it is a great opportunity for people to consider those who went without this week, and at the same time putting some of our excess to good use."
So if you are wondering what to do with those extra pairs of socks; that third green jumper you received; the same box set of DVD's as you got last year, then Dublin's Catholic archdiocese has the solution for you.
