Forget planning August bank holiday weekends and late getaways to the sun – it appears it's time to start planning for Christmas as some of the country’s biggest retailers open their seasonal departments, selling festive products to shoppers keen to get their presents bought as in advance as possible. Whilst most of us will shake our heads in disbelief at this news, and go back to planning the weekend barbeque, there is one organisation in Dunstable that has started preparing for Christmas early.

For the Down’s Heart Group, who offer support and information relating to heart conditions associated with Down’s Syndrome, the hard work starts in September, when they prepare and package their range of Christmas cards. The money raised from this annual appeal enables the group to offer their services, which include one-to-one support, a telephone helpline and regular newsletters for individuals and their families who are affected by congenital heart conditions.

Do you have a few hours to spare in September to help the Down's Heart Group to package the cards for sale?  It's not a difficult task but is vital for the group’s fundraising and in raising an awareness of their cause. 

Georgina Sorrell, Volunteering Adviser at the Volunteer Centre, explains what you can expect from the role, ‘You will be volunteering with a small friendly team, providing a highly important service whilst meeting new people and knowing that your efforts are really making a difference.  The group need volunteers on Monday-Thursdays during the daytime and your help would be very welcome, whether you can give a few hours or a few days of your time.’ There are also opportunities for volunteering with the group in November and early December for 2 or 3 hours twice a week to deal with the dispatch of orders.

So, before you start worrying about what to get your best friend who has everything, or arguing over who’s going to be hosting the Christmas Day meal this year, consider spending a few hours of your time helping a local group raise funds to provide a vital service, the benefits of which will continue long after the presents have been unwrapped this Christmas.

For further information on opportunities with the Down’s Heart Group please contact Georgina or Lucy at the Volunteer Centre at Voluntary and Community Action on 01525 850559 or email volunteer@action-southbeds.org.uk. If you would like to explore other volunteering opportunities that are available in South Bedfordshire please contact Georgina for a Volunteering Directory or to arrange an informal chat.