AN organisation that provides furniture and household items for people in desperate need has been chosen as charity of the year by Blackheath’s Sainsbury’s store.

Loaves ‘n’ Fishes, based in Waterfall Lane, Cradley Heath, relies of donations of goods from the public to support people who find themselves in genuine need, such as the homeless, those fleeing domestic violence and victims of house fires.

Centre co-ordinator Mary Turner, who pitched for the supermarket’s support with colleague Amanda Burton, said they were “thrilled” to have been chosen.

“We are really pleased that they are giving us this opportunity to let everyone in the area know who we are and what we do,” she said.

In the last 12 months Sainsbury’s raised £1,500 for the Live at Home charity, which supports elderly people in their own homes.

Company spokesman Jo Thatcher said: “We are looking forward to a productive year with the charity and hope to raise some money as well raising their profile.”

Anyone with donations or time to offer the charity, such as driving for a few hours a week, should call Loaves ‘n’ Fishes on 0121 559 7443