Local Gardaí 'overwhelmed' as hundreds of Christmas cards made for those living alone

Hundreds of handmade Christmas cards have been sent into Garda stations in Athlone and Mullingar this month, after an appeal to cheer up elderly and vulnerable who live alone within the community.

The appeal, which was originally put out on social media on November 12, heralded an overwhelming response - as an abundance of beautiful festive cards were left into local stations.

The handmade cards are set to be delivered to the elderly and vulnerable who live alone over the next couple of weeks leading up to Christmas.

Local Gardaí said it wass clear that a lot of love and care was put into creating the cards, and they are sure the messages within will add some much needed festive joy to those who receive them.

An Garda Síochána Westmeath wrote: "We are overwhelmed with the response to our recent Christmas card appeal.

"There have been hundreds of cards left into us at Athlone and Mullingar Garda Station and as you can see from some of the cards below, a lot of time and effort has gone in to creating this wonderful works of art

"We look forward to delivering these cards in the next 2 weeks and we know it will give the vulnerable and elderly great joy and comfort reading these cards and messages."