A BLACKHEATH-based charity which offers urgent help to people in desperate need is celebrating a £17,000 windfall to extend its services.

The Black Country Housing Group, based in the town, marked the end of a landmark year by making the donation to Loaves ‘n’ Fishes.

The funding will enable the charity to build a workshop to repair and restore furniture donations.

It will also be used to extend Pat’s Pantry, a storage area for donated linen and kitchen essentials at the Loaves ’n’ Fishes new Vicarage Road premises.

As well as giving funding, the housing group has created a volunteer voucher scheme which encouraged each of its 200 staff to donate two hours of their time and skills to the charity resulting in more than 700 volunteer hours being donated so far.

Members of staff have helped with tasks from working in the warehouse, to overhauling the IT systems and assisting with publicity.

Loaves ‘n’ Fishes founder Anna Hartland said: “Having the support of a well established partner like BCHG has been invaluable.

“In our wildest dreams we could never of imagined such generosity. We are extremely grateful for this donation and the help that all of BCHG’s staff has given us over the course of the year. Each member of staff showed such enthusiasm and a willingness to help.”

The BCHG chose to support Loaves ‘N’ Fishes as part of its 40th anniversary celebrations and staff raised almost £9,000 in the last year the charity, which the organisation match funded.

Fundraisers included a football tournament, cake sales and a Gala Ball.

Its chief executive Amanda Tomlinson said: ““As a social business we are committed to investing in people and communities.

“Over the past year, I have been delighted at the way in which BCHG’s team has worked together to not only raise this fantastic amount of money but donated their time and effort to make a real difference to the poorest in society.”

Loaves ‘n’ Fishes provides furniture, household essentials and clothing to displaced families and individuals who need help to create a warm and comfortable home.

The Christian charity moved to Blackheath in January from smaller premises in Waterfall Lane, Cradley Heath.