Human Services

Hugh Cargill Trust Committee

Gordon Fraser, Chair
Henry Devlin, Treasurer
Linda Escobedo, Clerk
Edith Fruscione
Adelaide Walton

In 2006, the Hugh Cargill Trust Committee continued to implement the mission of the Trust, established over 200 years ago by Concordian Hugh Cargill. The Trust's purpose is to provide short-term, emergency assistance to residents of the Town in times of financial need. The Committee acts on behalf of the Board of Selectmen in receiving and reviewing requests for assistance and in distributing funds in accordance with the provisions of the Trust. Concord residents request aid by leaving a phone message at the Town House: 978-318-3100, ext. 2030. Calls are returned within 24 hours; all requests are kept confidential.

Funds totaling $27,087 were received in 2006 from the following sources: The Hugh Cargill Trust Fund, $5,287 the Timothy Wheeler House of Concord $5,000 the Concord Municipal Light Plant, $16,000 and public donations, $800. The generous contributions from the Timothy Wheeler House, the Concord Municipal Light Plant and public donations were crucial to the Committee's efforts to meet the ever-increasing needs of Town's residents. The Committee met twelve times and approved grants totaling $32,881 to 71 households. This amount represents about 54% of the amount requested. The average amount per household was approximately $463. The vast majority of all grants were for the payment of utility bills (electricity, oil, gas, and water). In addition, grants paid for rent, taxes, insurance and medical expenses. The Committee also administered the abatement program for the municipal curbside recycling and waste collection program funded by Concord Public Works. The Committee continues to publicize its existence and mission through contacts with the Silent Fund, the Concord Housing Authority, the Council on Aging, the Recreation Department, Open Table, the Community Chest, the Salvation Army, Concord-Carlisle Adult & Community Education, the Concord Journal, local clergy, the Community Services Coordinator, and other groups.

We welcome private donations to continue the mission of providing short-term, emergency needs to Concord citizens. Checks can be sent to the Hugh Cargill Trust at the Town House, P.O. 535, Concord. All contributions are tax deductible.