Asda staff donate gifts for vulnerable in Brighton

Asda's Brighton Hollingbury store donated £2,000 worth of food to the Salvation Army, as two staff teamed up with the charity to put together special food parcels which were distributed to those in need throughout December.
By The Newsroom
Published 27th Dec 2018, 08:03 BST
Updated 10th Jan 2019, 10:56 BST
Brighton Asda staff delivering gifts to the Salvation ArmyBrighton Asda staff delivering gifts to the Salvation Army
Brighton Asda staff delivering gifts to the Salvation Army

The staff delivered a lorry of food to the Salvation Army, aiming to provide essentials and Christmas favourites to vulnerable people over the festive period.

Maria Carpenter, the store’s community colleague, and her colleague Barbara Johnson have been volunteering at the Salvation Army at Brighton Congress Hall every Wednesday for the past four years.

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They help to prepare and serve breakfast and a two-course meal for 60 to 80 people.

Forming a close bond with the group, Maria now spends her Christmas morning at the Congress Hall serving food to both homeless and elderly people in the local community. Those who may otherwise go hungry or feel isolated and lonely on Christmas Day were welcomed at the Salvation Army by selfless volunteers who provide a home-cooked meal and hope to spread some festive cheer.

Maria said: “The Salvation Army does so much to help vulnerable people in the community and it’s amazing for Asda to be able to support them with this donation.

“Their work is so important all year round, but they need all the extra support they can get at Christmas. It can be an especially difficult time for many people with the added pressures it brings and whether it be providing food, clothes, a shower or a listening ear, their help can make a huge difference.

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“The food parcels which Asda have provided will not only include essentials such as soup and tinned foods but also some Christmas favourites that many families can’t afford. We want to ensure that everyone can have a treat like they deserve to.”

Mike Lloyd, Major at Brighton Salvation Army, said: “What Asda does for the Salvation Army is absolutely brilliant. The partnership we have with the Brighton Hollingbury store has enabled us to provide food and support for those who sadly would otherwise go without this Christmas.

“Maria and Barbara are both wonderful people and give up so much of their time to help us, not only at this time of year but every week, and we are grateful for everything the store has done for us over the years.”

Related topics:Brighton