Every day in Donegal, women and mothers are forced to make impossible choices. After paying rent, bills, and putting food on the table, many are left with nothing for essential care items such as toiletries, sanitary products, or nappies. For others, the struggle is even greater, with some experiencing homelessness or trying to stretch every cent simply to get through the week.

This Christmas, Maple convenience stores across Donegal,  located in Milford, Derrybeg, Carrigart, Castlefinn, Falcarragh, Burtonport, Ballyliffin, and Moville are proud to partner with the Donegal Women’s Centre in a special community initiative to support women and children facing hardship.

Maple has always placed community at the heart of its work, regularly supporting local initiatives and causes across the county. This year, Maple is asking its loyal customers and communities to come together to donate items for the “Care Packages for Donegal Women in Need” charity drive. These packages will provide vital everyday essentials that many of us take for granted but that can make all the difference in times of crisis.

The Donegal Women’s Centre, which has been serving the community for decades, provides a safe, confidential, and supportive space for women. From counselling services to sexual health support and advocacy, the Centre works daily with women and families navigating some of the toughest challenges of their lives. The organisation will co-ordinate the distribution of the donated care packages directly to those most in need, ensuring that every contribution goes where it is needed most.

Products most needed include: For Women: Sanitary towels/products, toothpaste & toothbrushes, shower gel, shampoo & conditioner, deodorant, washing & laundry products, hairbrushes/combs, face cloths and For Babies: Nappies (all sizes), nappy bags, baby wipes, baby wash/lotion/cream, baby shampoo, cotton buds/wool, soothers, bibs. Every item donated will help create care packages for women and children in Donegal who need support. 

Brian Murphy, Group Manager of the Maple Group, said: “We are proud to stand with the Donegal Women’s Centre this Christmas. Nobody should have to go without the most basic hygiene products, yet that is the reality for many families in our community. This campaign is about dignity, compassion, and reminding women and children that they matter. Giving back to the communities we serve has always been at the core of Maple, and we are honoured to play our part this year.”

Mary Herlihy, Manager of Donegal Women’s Centre, added: “Through our work, we see the struggles women face every day, women making impossible choices and often left without the means to provide even the simplest care for themselves or their children. This initiative with Maple will have a real and immediate impact. It is about more than products, it is about restoring hope and reminding women and families that they are not alone, especially at Christmas. Thank you to everyone for their support.”

Donation trolleys will be available inside every Maple store across Donegal, where customers can place items directly. Along with care essentials, families are also welcome to donate treats such as selection boxes for children, which the Donegal Women’s Centre will ensure are distributed to bring a little joy this festive season.

No matter how small, every donation will be deeply appreciated and will help bring comfort, dignity, and hope to women and children in Donegal this Christmas.

Photo Caption: Pictured Left to Right: Louise Ferry Manager Maple Moville, Samantha Buchanan Manager Maple Milford,  Brian Murphy Maple Group Manager, Mary Herlihy Manager Donegal Women’s Centre, Grainne Egan, Manager Maple Falcarragh, Claire Boyle Manager Maple Burtonport, Grace Mc Bride Manager Maple Carrigart, Margaret Mc Conologue, Manager Maple Ballyliffin and Shan McMillan Manager Maple Derrybeg.