THE public has been praised for its response to a Christmas appeal spearheaded by Downpatrick Lions Club and the ICare charity.
The organisations asked people for gifts and cash donations tom help disadvantaged teenagers and young people across the district.
Lions club president Raymond Crea recently presented a cheque for £300 to ICare representative Joanne Murray who is the charity’s home care support services manager.
Many of the gifts people donated were distributed locally with the SureStart organisation the first to take delivery of a large selection of gifts including toys, toiletries and clothing which will go a long way to helping families over the festive season.
SureStart manager Pauline Gunstan expressed her thanks to Downpatrick Lions, the ICare charity and all those who contributed to this appeal.
A number of other organisations will also benefit from generous donations as a result of the joint initiative.
Downpatrick Lions Club would like to thank everyone for their generosity and wish them a merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year.