A STOURBRIDGE good samaritan continues to go above and beyond to help others during the coronavius pandemic.

Vi Wood, who runs Leslie's Care Packages, has seen demand for the organisation's help surge since the crisis began in March.

She stepped up and responded when the crisis hit by collecting and distributing food parcels for families struggling financially; shopping for those who were self-isolating and donating treats to NHS staff and key workers.

Although lockdown may have eased gradually, Vi is still on the frontline providing help to people who need it across the Black Country.

Leslie's Care Packages, named in memory of Vi's late husband, has in recent months received more referrals than ever from local authorities in the Black Country and charities that have heard of Vi’s reputation for responding quickly and with compassion.

Reflecting on the months since the pandemic hit, Vi said: “It has been a very challenging four months for Leslie's Care Packages to get all those essential goods out to where they were needed, as well as finding the time for collections, shopping, preparing and packing, but we have done it.

"The local community have been amazing in answering my calls for help. They have made such a difference to people’s lives. It has restored my faith in humanity. Thank you to everyone who has donated and supported us during such a difficult time.”

Leslie's Care Packages was set up in 2016 as an initiative to help the homeless in Stourbridge and now the non-profit voluntary organisation now helps all groups of vulnerable people right across the Black Country.

The charity’s mission is to provide much needed provisions, such as food, toiletries, sleeping bags, and clothing to homeless and other disadvantaged people. As the organisation receives no funding, it relies solely on the general public and local businesses for support and donations.

To find out how you can get involved, search for Leslie's Care Packages on Facebook.