The association, which is run by 18 volunteers, helps vulnerable citizens in Jammerbugt Municipality with basic necessities such as food, clothing, kitchen equipment, and baby equipment—completely free of charge.

"Our target group is citizens with the lowest incomes. Here, they can get what they need without having to explain themselves or provide more documentation than necessary," says Ruth Andersen, who founded the association in 2018 after experiencing financial difficulties herself due to illness.

I promised myself that if I got through it, I would help others in the same situation.

A department store with dignity

The association is housed in the former kindergarten in Kaas, which Jammerbugt Municipality has made available. Here, the facilities have been transformed into a small "warehouse" where the shelves are overflowing with everything from clothing, sportswear, and shoes to glassware, electronics, and toys.

"We have women's clothing sorted by size, assistive devices in the blue room, kitchen items in another room, and so on. We try to create order and clarity so that visitors feel safe and dignified," explains Ruth Andersen during a tour.

Treasurer Nanna Jurkuhn and spokesperson Ruth Andersen.

On Thursday mornings, it is open from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and between 25 and 30 citizens usually show up. The atmosphere is good, and there is coffee, tea, and bread on the table for those who want it.

"We make every effort to create a pleasant atmosphere. For some, it can be a challenge to come here, and our entrance is at the back of the building to ensure discretion," says Ruth Andersen.

Food, people – and a trailer

Every week, volunteers drive around to stores in Aabybro and other locations to collect food waste, which is sorted and registered in accordance with the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration's guidelines.

The association depends on people donating items that others can enjoy. In addition, donations of all sizes help to make a difference.

"We convert all amounts into pasta—for example, if we receive 150 kroner via Mobilepay, we can buy 30 bags of pasta when it's on sale for five kroner," says Ruth Andersen with a smile.

The new trailer makes the volunteers' work easier.

Most recently, the Sol og Strand Foundation, Sol og Strand Margit and Kjeld, donated DKK 15,000 for a closed trailer – an important tool for the association.

"Sometimes we receive large quantities of food or have the opportunity to pick up items from stores that are closing down. It has been difficult to transport everything in private cars. Now we have a trailer, and that makes a big difference," says Nanna Jurkuhn, who has been a volunteer with Næstehjælperne since 2019.

FACT:
The Next Helpers assist citizens affected by reforms in Jammerbugt Komme – i.e., citizens who are on welfare, on long-term sick leave, in resource programs, in job clarification programs, single parents on student grants, integration benefits, and other welfare-like benefits.

The volunteers anticipate an increased need for assistance due to a new welfare reform that came into effect on July 1 this year.

The charity accepts almost everything – except furniture, bicycles, and books. They prefer that donated clothing be in good condition, i.e., without stains or holes.