Black Country residents asked to donate canned goods to desperate food banks

The county council is preparing for a big collection next week. Households are asked to be a good neighbor by donating boxes of food during Volunteer Week, which runs from June 3-9.

Sandwell food banks are said to be running out of canned goods to distribute to the hundreds of families who rely on them. All canned goods collected in libraries and parks will be taken to the nearest food bank.

Collection organizers from the council and Sandwell Council of Voluntary Organizations (SCVO) said Volunteer Week was an easy way for residents to top up food banks, support volunteers and the Big Help Out initiative at the same time.

Residents are being asked to make a difference to those in need by dropping off a box of food at neighborhood libraries next week.

As part of the Big Help Out, spring cleaning activities will take place at the West Smethwick Park pavilion in West Park Road and Haden Hill Park as a house in Hayseech, Cradley Heath on June 8 and 9 from 10am and 12:00 p.m.

All park visitors will be able to join in the spring cleaning if they wish, and equipment will be provided. A tin collection box will also be available.

Sandwell Council Deputy Chief Executive James McLaughlin said: “Volunteers are the backbone of our communities and we appreciate the work they do to support services to deliver much-needed services for local Sandwell residents.

“I’m asking anyone who has time to help look for volunteering opportunities on Let’s Go Sandwell or simply support our campaign and bring a box to do your bit and show Sandwell some love. Alternatively, there is the opportunity to get involved in the Big Help Out activities planned at West Smethwick Park and Haden Hill Park.”

The branches of the library are:

Central Library – High Street, West Bromwich

Blackheath Library – High Street, Blackheath

Bleakhouse Library – Bleakhouse Road, Oldbury

Brandhall Library – Tame Road, Oldbury

Cradley Heath Library – Upper High Street, Cradley Heath

Glebefields Library – St Marks Road, Tipton

Great Barr Library – Birmingham Road, Great Barr

Great Bridge Library – Sheepwash Lane, Tipton

Hamstead Library – Tanhouse Centre, Hamstead Road, Great Barr

Hill Top Library – Hill Top, West Bromwich

Langley Library – Barrs Road, Oldbury

Oakham Library – Poplar Rise, Oldbury

Oldbury Library – Sandwell Council House, Freeth Street, Oldbury

Rounds Green Library – Martley Road, Oldbury

Smethwick Library – High Street, Smethwick

Stone Cross Library – Beverley Road, West Bromwich

Thimblemill Library – Thimblemill Road, Smethwick

Tipton Library – Victoria Road, Tipton

Wednesbury Library – Walsall Street, Wednesbury