An “empty toy shop” is set to open in Dublin on Thursday until Sunday, December 20th.
The pop-up shop from the Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVP) at 51 Henry Street will only sell empty toy boxes in exchange for a donation of €5 or more.
The shop is the brainchild of SVP and its creative agency Huskies, and is part of the SVP’s annual appeal campaign to encourage people to donate in a different way this year.
The charity has said while it cannot physically deliver food and toys to people's homes this Christmas, the funds will go to people in need over the festive period.
“Due to Covid-19 safety concerns, physical visits to people’s homes are not happening this Christmas,” Rose McGowan, SVP National President said.
“This means that the ability of the society to deliver toys and food is limited.
Gifts
"So, in addition to financial donations, we are appealing for vouchers which can be exchanged for gifts of all kinds: toys, books, music, clothing etc.
"The funds raised at the Empty Toy Shop will be ring-fenced to provide vouchers for toys in the lead up to Christmas and into the new year.”
The pop-up shop will be staffed by SVP volunteers and staff, and will open from 11am to 6pm.
Those who cannot visit the Empty Toy Shop in Dublin can also buy an empty toy box from their local SVP Vincent’s shop.
