Vending machine supplies donated to frontline Black Country health workers
Much-needed supplies of food and drink have been donated to frontline health workers at four Black Country hospitals amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The kind-hearted gesture has been carried out by Sandwell Council and Sandwell Leisure Trust.
The supplies, valued at £4,500, have come from vending machines at SLT leisure centres. A total of 10 are operated in the borough.
All of these are currently closed under Government guidance.
The donation followed a plea on social media from a nurse at Walsall Manor Hospital. She said staff were in desperate need of refreshments.
As a result, the council felt compelled to support hospitals which are caring for Sandwell residents.
Sandwell's deputy council leader Maria Crompton said: "It was a really easy decision to use the stock donated by Sandwell Leisure Trust to provide much-needed refreshments to our local hospitals.
"They are doing such an amazing job and we wanted to show our appreciation and support."
Supplies have been sent to Sandwell General in West Bromwich, Russells Hall in Dudley, Walsall Manor in Walsall, and New Cross in Wolverhampton.
The council is also operating a food distribution hub to support vulnerable residents amid the pandemic.
Leisure centres are being used to store food parcels and as bases of operations. The vending machines stock was initially being used in the food parcels.
Ash Rai, chief executive at Sandwell Leisure Trust, said: "These are unprecedented times and working in partnership to help Sandwell residents has become our major focus.
"We are supporting Sandwell Council in their efforts to provide residents with essential supplies and services and I am determined to do everything I can to ensure we are ready when the Government lockdown is lifted to help and support getting Sandwell active."
