KIND staff from a Wyre Forest housing group have collected dozens of items to donate to a foodbank and provide vital supplies for people in need.

The Community Housing Group (TCHG) is supporting Franche Community Church foodbank’s Christmas appeal to provide basic food items and household goods to residents.

Collections were made from all of the offices within TCHG. Staff from Foley Grove HQ and Oakleaf teams filled boxes in their staff rooms whilst catering assistant, Julie Yapp, cooked teacakes on one occasion in return for a donation.

Emergency food is packed with items for two to three days and they are distributed to individuals and families on a referral basis only.

Robert Palmer, Pastor from Franche Community Church said: “We are always extremely grateful for any donations we receive.

“We are totally run by volunteers whom we rely on so any help we get is very welcome. Thank you to everyone from The Community Housing Group for their efforts. We are handing out parcels more than ever before so any donations are well received.”

Helen Zinzan, financial inclusion and customer insight manager at The Community Housing Group, organised the appeal and also went along and helped the team pack up the boxes.

She said: “The need for a food bank has increased over the last few months. The response I get from our residents is that they couldn’t manage with the support of the foodbank, especially at a time when it is most needed.”

One of the users of the food bank added: “I would like to say how fantastic the food bank is. My family fell upon hard times last year and went 12 weeks without income. With seven of us, I became stressed and depressed. It took a lot of courage but the people were absolutely amazing.

“For us, it was a lifeline and I slept better that night, the first night in weeks. I was amazed that I wasn’t the only person there seeking help. A big thank you to all involved in the food bank.

People can find out more about the food bank by visiting www.franchecommunitychurch.co.uk/food-bank