MORE than 100 families in Dudley and Brierley Hill facing hardship this Christmas will be given a helping hand thanks to the efforts of a charity and manufacturer.

The Giving Hands Mission, which has already helped more than 10,000 people, has teamed up with Brierley Hill based Alloy Wire International to provide a hamper of food, toiletries, warm clothing and toys for children to people in need this festive season.

Delivery of the items will be made to the doorsteps of the elderly and individuals not able to collect items themselves or those who may still be self-isolating.

A total of £7,500 has been donated by the manufacturer of round, flat and profile wire as part of its Wired for Good campaign, which it launched to mark its 75th year in business and which has already seen it share £15,000 between Mary Stevens Hospice and the Chris Westwood Charity for Children with Physical Disabilities.

AWI's managing director Mark Venables said: “We are very passionate about our Black Country roots and all 30 of our workforce live locally, so it makes perfect sense to back a charity that is really making a difference on our doorstep.

“Christmas is a great time for most people, but there are people who will find it very difficult for one reason or another and supporting the outstanding work of The Giving Hands Mission and its excellent volunteers will hopefully bring some comfort and a little bit of cheer at a difficult time.

“As part of our 75th birthday celebrations we wanted to create a positive legacy for the big milestone, so committed to becoming carbon neutral (already achieved) and agreed to donate to four local charities - that’s three completed, one more worthy cause to go.”

The Giving Hands Mission has been operating in Dudley and Brierley Hill for seven years - working to help the homeless and rough sleepers, people in poverty and with severe debt problems, those leaving hostels and rehab centres, those with health problems and people fleeing domestic violence.

It aims to help vulnerable people weather the storm and get back on their feet again, developing their self-confidence, increasing their ability to tackle setbacks, developing resilience and living a happy, healthy and better life.

The charity does this through a wraparound support service that includes support with accommodation, a soup kitchen and food plus help with employment and volunteering opportunities.

George Peter, chief operating officer at The Giving Hands Mission, said: “We rely on the generosity and backing of local businesses and are delighted that AWI has chosen us as one of its four charities to mark its 75th birthday.

“The Giving Hands Mission/Alloy Wire Christmas project will mean so much to over 100 families this festive period and will hopefully help them enter the new year in a more positive position to make the most of 2022.”

To find out more about the charity see givinghandsmission.org.uk