There were massive queues outside a Dublin charity this morning as they handed out food vouchers to help people over Christmas.
The Capuchin Day Centre in Smithfield charity has been giving out Christmas food hampers since the 1970s, but this year as well as last - because of concerns around Covid-19 - it gave out vouchers instead.
The €50 voucher for Dunnes Stores can be used to purchase food or clothes, but cannot be used to purchase alcohol, tobacco or lottery cards.
Speaking to Dublin Live, manager at the day centre in Smithfield, Alan Bailey, said that they have seen a big increase in people seeking help for the Christmas.
He said: "We had 2,600 people come down to us this morning and we gave out 2,600 food vouchers.
"Normally we give out 550 dinners a day but now it's gone up to 700 or 800 meals a day.
"We're still open and we have a take-away service at the moment as people are not able to come inside because of Covid-restrictions."
He said the numbers were in line with the additional demand the centre has experienced since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.
On Christmas Day and St Stephen's Day the centre will allow people to collect takeaway Christmas dinners.
People are not allowed inside the centre to eat meals at present due to coronavirus concerns but staff have continued providing take-away meals to those in need.
The centre has also had to suspended the provision of showering facilities, clothing, and haircuts because of Covid-19.
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