‘Giving tree’ leaves hospital residents in high spirits

THE joy and goodness of Christmas was there for all to see in the faces of residents of the New Houghton and New Ross Community hospitals when they were presented with their Christmas gifts from the Giving Tree committee in Rosbercon.

Members of Rosbercon Parish Council organise the Giving Tree every year, whereby tags are hung on a Christmas tree upon which residents have written their requested festive gift before Christmas.

Local families take one of the tags – which are organised by Noreen Murphy who liaises with both facilities – and purchase the gift.

Bríd Vereker of the committee said the residents were entertained with festive songs by the choir in wards and rooms at both facilities and were delighted with their gifts.

‘They enjoyed listening to traditional Irish songs performed by around eight members of the choir. It’s a great initiative. Children love getting involved.’

Among the gifts given was perfume, toiletries, hats, scarves, books, chocolate and sweets. ‘It’s very much something that parishioners look forward to and there was a very good response this year, almost all of the gifts were bought. The staff at the hospitals really appreciate it and say it’s very beneficial for them.’

Ms Vereker thanked Rosbercon’s parishoners for supporting the Giving Tree.