Volunteers to host Christmas dinner to combat loneliness
By Rebekah O'Reilly
Athlone native Lisa Malone and the volunteers in St Kieran's Community Centre are ensuring that every person has a place to enjoy some company and a dinner this Christmas.
The St Kieran's Christmas dinner is being hosted for its third consecutive year, by local volunteers Michael Grehan, Deirdre Joyce, Michelle Mullins, Aisling O'Kane, Geraldine Hudson, Alley Hudson, Anna O'Kane, and Emily Clarke.
They are set to dish up between 30 to 40 hot meals for those who are looking to spend the day with others, or those who have nowhere else to go for a festive feed.
Although it is known to many as the most wonderful time of the year, the Christmas season can be quite an isolating and lonely time for others.
"When it started, it was originally for homeless people, but I started to notice a lot of people were on their own for Christmas, so then we opened it up so that anyone could come along," said Lisa. "Loneliness is such a huge huge thing. People don't even know their neighbours anymore."
The crew of volunteers hand out dinners in the centre from 12pm to 2pm on Christmas Day, and even carry out some home deliveries for elderly people or others who may not be able to make it down.
"There's a great mix of people that come. Some people are lonely and they come down, and some don't have the confidence so we bring the dinner to them.
"It's a lovely atmosphere down there. We try to have a little present to give to each person, and the Christmas music is piped around the centre. We really make a fuss of them."
Talking about how the Christmas dinner idea first came about, Lisa said she has noticed homeless numbers growing in Athlone and felt compelled to help.
"This started at my kitchen table three years ago. We were going through a hard time, and we had gotten help for my son Connor. I just thought about the people out there - it was becoming more evident that there was a lot of homeless in the town.
"I contacted a few people, and we went on the streets three days a week handing out meals."
Lisa said a small thing like a Christmas dinner has a big impact on the people that attend. "They are made to feel that Christmas means something, and that someone actually cares about them."
The organisers extended their thanks to the Creggan Court Hotel for providing the fantastic hot meals, and to Mona and Geraldine from St Kieran's Community Centre for allowing the use of the centre that makes the event possible. A sincere thanks is also given to all the volunteers who give up their time to make a difference for others.
At present, Lisa and the volunteers are working towards opening a drop-in centre for homeless and lonely people in January 2025. The drop-in centre aims to open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 12pm to 5pm.
"People need somewhere to drop in to watch TV, have a bit of soup and a sandwich, and a chat. Somewhere to get out of the elements," Lisa said. "There's so much loneliness out there - a chat and a smile can make a huge difference to people."
If you are interested in volunteering at the drop in centre, get in contact with Lisa Malone on 087 144 0833.