A COMMUNITY activist has said he was left 'humbled' by the generosity of people across the Black Country who answered his call to help people in need.

The United Hands project, run by the Saleem Foundation, held a special food bank event this week to distribute over 100 care packages to disadvantaged people across the borough.

Over 100 people attended the event of Champions Church in Brierley Hill, which saw people of all ages share a meal and come together to tackle social isolation.

Packages made up of thousands of items that were donated by organisations across the borough, including West Midlands Police, Pegasus Academy, Redhill School, Express Halesowen, Beacon Taxis and the Cornbow Shopping Centre were distributed at the event.

Shaz Saleem, who launched the foundation, said: “What makes this campaign special is that those that donated were helping people they've never heard of. This is what we should be doing, helping people with no other motive other than the fact we care, it was a beautiful evening and I thank every person involved whether they donated items or volunteered on the night, people left smiling and that was a humbling experience."

Over 50 people in need also enjoyed a free haircut thanks to the efforts of Dudley hairdresser Kelly Grazier.

Councillor Steve Waltho said: "On behalf of the #SaleemFoundation we would like to thank every person who donated, every volunteer from Champions Brierley Hill and TSF and the Mayor of Dudley, Councillor David Stanley for all their amazing support. it was an incredible evening and we pledge to hold United Hands event every year - because we all matter."

Champions Church, based on Albion Street, hosts a soup kitchen every Tuesday, and has received a donation from the Saleem Foundation after holding the event.

Luke Smith, from Champions Church, said: “We thank The Saleem Foundation for the kind donation of £200, this will help Champions Brierley Hill continue our amazing work. We were honoured to have The Saleem Foundation work with us and it created a very special evening.”

The team at the Saleem Foundation plan to launch a blanket appeal in the coming weeks to help people in need over the winter.