This winter, we were thrilled to partner with the Community and People Wellbeing team at Herts County Council and HertsHelp to source, pack and distribute 3,000 Bags of Kindness to vulnerable people across Hertfordshire.

During the five days of packing, we were delighted to welcome Cllr Richard Roberts, Leader of Hertfordshire County Council, and Cllr Stella Nash, Executive Member for Adult Care, Health & Wellbeing, who kindly gave their time to help pack bags, as well as teams from Smith & Nephew, Urban Outfitters, HSBC and Right at Home Stevenage, Letchworth and Hitchin. As always, individuals from our wonderful volunteer family also joined us.

The hard work, support and kindness of everyone involved in the project was made worthwhile when a daughter tweeted, sharing her Dad’s joy at receiving a Bag of Kindness.

She wrote ‘Thank you so much for the wonderful bag containing so many treats and essentials for my Dad. He is thrilled and hasn't stopped talking about it…it’s made a huge impact! He waited until I visited to show me everything. Don’t underestimate the huge difference you’re making to people who often feel forgotten.’

Included in the bags were a fleece blanket, thermal hat, gloves, face mask, sanitiser, biscuits, chocolates, instant soup, playing cards, activity book, thermometer and a Purple Pages Information Pack featuring literature about essential services from key organisations in Hertfordshire.

This project, funded by Hertfordshire County Council, is one of three that we have worked on this winter. We would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who has given their time to help us over the last few months.