'The children were beaming from ear to ear': Cork charity distributes 50 communion outfits to families

A CORK charity has distributed 40 communion dresses and 11 suits in the past week to families struggling with the cost of living.

Cork Penny Dinners opened its wellness centre on St James’s Street on Sunday as a first communion 'shop' to help families finding it difficult to make ends meet ahead of children celebrating the event this year.

Caitríona Twomey, the charity’s volunteer co-ordinator, told The Echo that Penny Dinners had distributed 40 communion dresses and 11 suits over the past week.

Ms Twomey said the atmosphere in the centre on Sunday had been “beautiful”, with young children delighted with their new outfits.

“Yesterday [Sunday] couldn’t have been any nicer. Ryan’s Supervalu in Glanmire sponsored sandwiches and cakes, and we were able to give the mams a cup of tea, and we had treats and teddy bears for all the kids.

“The smiles. Even if it was only one child we looked after, it was worth it for the way those children were smiling. It would totally melt your heart to see the smiles.”

Ms Twomey said that the charity distributes communion outfits, “donated by the generous people of Cork” every year to alleviate stress and financial costs for families. She described it as one of the best days of the year for volunteers.

“Our volunteers Brid, Olive, Eilish, and Patsy were brilliant in organising everything. It was just a lovely, lovely day. To see the children going away beaming from ear to ear was just so brilliant.”

Last year, the Catholic Bishop of Cork and Ross, Fintan Gavin, told The Echo that the Catholic Church does not require anyone to spend money on First Holy Communion Day, and he described the Eucharist as “a free gift from God”.

“I’m hearing stories about people putting an awful lot of pressure on themselves ... but it’s not what’s the essential,” Bishop Gavin said.

Ms Twomey said anyone who needs communion apparel for their child should contact 085 1201742.