A kind-hearted Sandwell officer has been putting together care hampers in her own time and dropping them off for local care homes and people in need during the coronavirus crisis.
PCSO Michelle Paddock from the Tipton neighbourhood team has been hailed a hero by her colleagues for spending her days working for West Midlands Police and supporting the local area and at night, collecting items for care homes.
PCSO Paddock came up with the idea with her family after they all donated £205 worth of hand creams to Manor hospital in Walsall to support their friends who work there. She then thought her patch in Tipton could do with a nice gesture too and set about putting together a mix of toiletries and skincare items. Over 40 bags went to Bloomfield Court care home in Central Avenue and over 30 were made for Matthias House on Dudley Road. Her family also helped her with a drop off to Bridgewood Mews in Bridge Street with donated items of hand wash and hand cream, which they purchased themselves.

The residents and staff were delighted with the surprises including lip balm, face wipes, candles and sweets that were funded from PCSO Paddock’s own pocket and from a small tuck shop she runs for her team at Tipton police station.
She didn’t stop there however, PCSO Paddock has recently made 20 bags for vulnerable and elderly residents who live across the Tipton area. The officer has built up friendships with local people after 11 years working on the beat and knew just who could do with a little pick me up during lockdown.
PCSO Paddock said: “I just wanted to do something special for people during such a difficult time. I have a lot of love for my residents in Sandwell and because I couldn’t do my usual duties of physically checking in on people and businesses, I thought of a different way to show people that their local police team is always there for them.
“I’ve really enjoyed putting the hampers together and making them look pretty so people who receive them can smile and know they’re not alone. The feedback has been lovely, it’s been a great way to keep in touch and I’ve made sure they all know that we can help if they need anything.”