Louth Volunteer Centre Issues Christmas Appeal for Festive Friends
By ArdeePost Reporter
Record Demand: More People Than Ever Will Be Alone on Christmas Day
The Louth Volunteer Centre has issued an urgent appeal for local people to become Festive Friends this Christmas, as the organisation faces a record number of referrals for individuals who will be spending December 25th completely alone.
Since its launch in 2021, the Festive Friends programme has ensured that hundreds of isolated residents—many of them older individuals—receive not only a festive meal but also the gift of company on what can otherwise be the loneliest day of the year.
This Christmas, referrals have risen sharply across County Louth, and the Volunteer Centre is calling on the community to respond with compassion and solidarity.
A Simple Gesture That Transforms Christmas
Volunteers who sign up as Festive Friends are asked to deliver a festive meal, a small Christmas gift, and—most importantly—spend 30 to 60 minutes with the person they are visiting.
Kayleigh Mulligan, Manager of Louth Volunteer Centre, emphasised the profound impact volunteers can have:
“This simple act of kindness can change someone’s entire Christmas. For many of the people referred to us, a Festive Friend may be the only person they speak to on Christmas Day. We’re appealing to the community to help us meet the record demand this year and ensure that no one in Louth feels forgotten.”
One Volunteer’s Story: “The Most Meaningful Part of My Christmas”
One long-standing Festive Friends volunteer, known as Mary, shared her experience of the initiative:
“You don’t realise how much it means until you’re standing at someone’s door and they tell you you’re the only visitor they’ll have all day. Spending even an hour with someone brings so much joy—to them and to me. It’s the most meaningful part of my Christmas.”
Her story reflects the emotional reality for many of the programme’s recipients: without a volunteer’s visit, Christmas Day would pass in silence.
What Louth Volunteer Centre Festive Friends Provide
Volunteers play a vital and heartwarming role in creating connection at Christmas. Festive Friends will:
- Deliver a festive meal provided by Louth Volunteer Centre
- Bring a small Christmas gift
- Spend 30–60 minutes with someone who would otherwise be alone
- Offer warmth, conversation and companionship on a day that can be deeply isolating for older or vulnerable people
This simple interaction can be life-changing for individuals who may have little to no contact with others over the holidays.
How to Become a Louth Volunteer Centre Festive Friend
Those wishing to volunteer can sign up online via www.volunteerlouth.ie or visit the Louth Volunteer Centre offices in Dundalk or Drogheda. Volunteers will receive full guidance, support and instructions in advance of Christmas Day.
Kayleigh Mulligan added:
“If you can spare even one hour, you can make Christmas brighter for someone who needs it most.”
