Don't forget the Harpenden Trust this Christmas

You may have heard of them; you may have seen their van on the road but do you know what they actually do?

The Trust's objective is to help Harpenden people in need, both individually and collectively.  They have had the same aim since the Trust was founded in 1948 when Dr Charles Hill (later Lord Hill) was its first President; Dr Hill will be remembered by some as the gravel-voiced Radio Doctor during WW2.

In 1950 the Trust's role was described by the Daily Sketch as "a social experiment without parallel in this country."   More than 60 years on there are still Harpenden people suffering hardship, financial or otherwise; people who are in need of the help of a good neighbour. The Harpenden Trust is there to be that good neighbour, with the active support of the town's residents.

Recently the Trust has been able to extend its help to community organisations and groups whose aims are to enhance the lives of Harpenden people, especially the young and the elderly.

The Trust  helps individuals and families living in the AL5 postal district through:

GRANTS – Are awarded to help people with household bills.   The Trust also provide vouchers for food and clothing and recycled furniture and electrical goods.

PUPILS -Families are confidentially helped so that they can meet the cost of essential school trips and uniforms.

UTILITY BILLS- Help for pensioners having difficulty paying their winter electricity, gas, water and telephone bills.

OUTINGS – Free day and half-day coach trips to the seaside or countryside are organised for pensioners, as well as outings for children.

COFFEE MORNINGS - Free coffee and biscuits are provided for pensioners between 10 and 11am on Tuesdays at the Trust Centre and on Thursdays at High Street Methodist Church Hall.

CHRISTMAS PARCELS – These are delivered to pensioners who might be housebound over the Christmas period.

VISITING - Periodic visits are made to elderly people living on their own.

So how can we help?  

The Trust is run entirely by volunteers, regular and seasonal; they are always ready to welcome new helpers, especially for the Christmas collection.

If you are able to help on a more regular basis you could make home visits, help at coffee mornings and on coach outings, liaise with local schools, help with furniture collection and delivery or staff the Trust office.

It costs the Trust £70,000 a year to support our work helping families and individuals. Some of that money comes from investment income, but for the rest they are dependent on the generosity of Harpenden residents.

For more information, call or email the Trust: 01582 460457 or web@TheHarpendenTrust.org.uk