Asda’s Brighton Hollingbury store has donated £2000 worth of food to the Salvation Army, as two colleagues have teamed up with the charity to put together special food parcels which will be distributed to those in need throughout December.

With Christmas and the winter months adding extra pressure, many now rely on food banks and donations to feed their families.

The store, which has delivered a lorry of food to the Salvation Army using their home shopping service, aims to provide essentials and Christmas favourites which chosen agencies will give to vulnerable people throughout 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.

Helping to prepare and serve breakfast and a two-course meal for 60-80 people, their work is vital for the homeless community.

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 are welcomed at the Salvation Army by selfless volunteers who provide a home-cooked meal and hope to spread some festive cheer.

Maria, Community Colleague at Asda Brighton Hollingbury, 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.

“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.”

Asda shoppers can also do their bit to help those in need this Christmas, with permanent donation points set up in store for the Salvation Army’s Christmas toy appeal which runs through December.

Mike said, “Any gift, big or small, can make a huge difference to a child’s Christmas. We are particularly short on gifts for those in their early teens as most people think of younger children when they donate to a toy appeal. Our aim is to ensure that as many children as possible can receive a gift this Christmas.”

The store will be collecting toys to distribute to disadvantaged children who may not receive a gift this year and encourage generous shoppers to purchase an extra present this festive season.