One of the pre-eminent agencies dealing with homelessness in Ireland, the Simon Community plays an…read moreimportant role in in Ireland. It's one of those NGOs that is well-known throught the country - highly visible and a common recipient of school-led fundraisers. They run things like soup runs, emergency housing, needle exchange programmes (and no matter how anti-drugs you may be, these are important), alcohol detox residences and prevention/early intervention. They are (unfortunately) doing a bustling business at the moment, if the constant queues for the offices outside my house are anything to go by too...though it feels wrong somehow to be popping up to the flat while other people are desperately looking for a roof over their heads...

Simon Community is not only a great charity organization, with volunteers working night and day to…read morehelp the homeless with both food and shelter, they throw awesome fundraising parties to raise much-needed money for the fight against homelessness. I had a blast competing in various different sports at their games-day in Herbert Park, and got my money's worth at a bingo night with DJs and dancing at No. 4 Dame Lane. Keep your ears to the ground for next event. Entertaining, and for a good cause!

Focus Ireland is the kind of organization that I think more cities need. With centers around the…read morecountry, Focus Ireland provides services for those in various stages of homelessness - whether already homeless or on the verge of becoming so, transitioning to a work or training program and finally to finding permanent housing. Focus Ireland is the kind of organization that I think more cities need. With centers around the country, Focus Ireland provides services for those in various stages of homelessness - whether already homeless or on the verge of becoming so, transitioning to a work or training program and finally to finding permanent housing. Focus Ireland helps those in need find housing and in some cases can provide it for them. The center is also a coffee shop where anyone can come enjoy inexpensive meals and take advantage of the many programs that Focus Ireland offers. The organization also has volunteer opportunities.

My Name is Rodolfo Angulo we have a company CI Nvl Caribe trading corporation we are located in…read morePanama Central America and we are interest in sending free food ( pasta) to your ONG in ireland we would pay all the expenses sending a container per month my mail is angulorodolfo@yahoo.com my cel is +507 66124401

There's very little of the "used books" feel in this excellent used book shop -I really think it's…read moredown to pride. Only book lovers would take the sale of donated titles as seriously as a first-run store would! The selection is diverse (and well priced) with a smart layout and neat shelving of books by genre - much better than the usual hodge podge usually seen in charity shop book racks! And there's even been consideration made for children as well, with a thriving YA and under offering that makes an easy weekend treat for those kiddies accompanying you on City Centre shopping. Once my "have-read" bag is full I'll trot it down here for donation, they'll be in good hands!

Another of Oxfam's stand alone bookshops, again this doesn't feel like a charity shop and its great…read morefor browsing. This one is centrally located on Parliament street. As well a good quality books, they also have CD's, DVD's & Vinyl( thats records to you under 25's) As with the Rathmines shop this is a great place to get high standard second hand stuff, with everything well presented and friendly staff.

I have given this charity a lot of volunteer time in several countries but last year was my first…read moretime to start with these people. I enjoy volunteering but primarily if it involves work that I can see an immediate result with and I get that with this excellent organisation. Basically they build or refurbish buildings for people or organisations that can't afford to. The project that I worked on was helping paint the interior of an old Georgian hospital located just off Ballsbridge. It was an excellent opportunity to see what the interior of the building was like as they are scattered all around the city. It also was an excellent chance to make new friendships. They gave us free sandwiches and soup for our days work. I did it once a week for a few weeks but they are flexible with your schedule. Lovely people to work with, I would highly recommend getting in touch if you like to do some construction work!

AMAZING! this shop broke my heart when I first entered,the most beautiful clothes and the i saw…read moreit..THE STEVE THE BABYSITTER SHIRT!! I fell in love..and it only cost €5.00!!!

lots of lovely bargains to be got here if you are willing to look through the rags and tat. lapels…read moreinclude next, dunnes and even more and the money raised goes to help the homeless. they sell some household items here, shoes, toys, books galore and clothes and also have a little section selling coins and other antique stuff. this store i think is the main charity shop in the chain and have lots of helpful staff and days where they sell stuff off for only €1 or €2.

The best thing about this charity shop is it's location right in the city centre in the Gap arcade…read more The staff are friendly and you can haggle over the stilettos and handbags. All the money goes to Down syndrome Ireland.

Today I took a break from a near-fanatical spate of research for a final grad school project. The…read moreend is nearly in sight! I bicycled down to Camden Street, and went into a shop I'd never visited - AgeAction. I love charity shops! But this one really stands out to me. It has an airier feel than many of the others in the Rathmines/Camden Street area. It's evident that staff take great care to arrange things in a pleasing, interesting, and sensible way. There's furniture -I mean furniture that you'd actually want to buy and use; I saw a darling little metal kitchen cart on wheels, but I already bought a less charming version months ago from Ikea. There's clothing. There's books - quite smartly arranged. And... there's all kinds of other bits and bobs. I couldn't resist a new-in-box mandolin slicer for just €3, and a couple of novels at 2/€1. They, like some other shops, have the "window goods are only sold on a particular day" feature, which I can't quite understand. If these were auctioned on the particular date, I think it might make more sense. I'm sure there must be a reason, but I personally find this approach a turn-off. At the counter, I was warmly greeted by staff, who were very glad to hear how impressed I was with the quality and arrangement of the store. They are obviously also very dedicated to their cause, and encouraged me to take literature and look them up on Facebook. This wasn't "pushy." It was enthusiasm for a cause about which they care and want to share knowledge. So, I read a little more, and I can see why AgeAction workers are proud of their organization. They aim to improve the quality of life for senior individuals in Ireland by doing things like helping them have a voice, get better access to care, learn, gain computer skills, and socialize. What a great non-profit! Of course, donating used items or buying goods from their shop helps their cause, but they also had a cool way to donate - people can give them their unused vouchers for refunds from the bus! I saved several of these before I acquired my Leap card, but when I looked at their value, I realized that it was only a euro or two, which wasn't worth trying to find out where the office was to claim the refund. Kudos to the shop, to the charity, and to the great idea for a donations box!

Age Action is an Irish charity aimed at improving the quality of life of older people and their…read morecarers. This store on Camden St sells clothing, homewares, books and videos to raise money and awareness of the issues faced by the elderly in our society. The shop is well stocked with a variety of men's, women's and children's clothing and other items for around the home. Items are really cheaply priced, most coming in at under a fiver, but it's a great cause you're supporting if you shop here. Every week they have a sewing circle at the centre and there is a really great community feel in the store.

ActionAid Ireland is part of a larger social enterprise, ActionAid International, a non-government…read moreagency that works to eradicate global injustice by addressing the root causes of poverty. They do so by working within the communities, while also raising global awareness and push for policy changes that can benefit the poorest of the poor. They work with local partners in Kenya, Vietnam, Nepal, Cambodia, Uganda and Malawi to fight for the right to education, support people living with HIV & AIDS and address discrimination against women and girls. To get involved, you can make a donation or help manage various fundraising activities in Ireland.