We would like to say a huge “thank you” to the people of Clacks following an incredible outpouring of generosity from locals over the festive season.

Our charity, which provides a range of services including a foodbank, soup pot and community cafe, received over eight tonnes of donations in just two months. With demand massively increasing over Christmas, everything that was contributed went to good use and helped make the festive season that bit easier for those who were struggling.

Marie Brownhill, The Gate’s centre manager, said “Between November and March, every single year, without fail, all of our services are really busy. “Whilst it’s a joyful time for most, it can be the most difficult time for many.
“So what I want to get across on behalf of The Gate is to thank the public and small and large businesses because they all played a part in making Christmas more special for the most vulnerable in the community.”
Marie made clear there were so many people she could thanks that it was impossible to name everyone, but mentioned a few examples of locals helping out. She added: “One community group held the Christmas fayre at the town hall and donated £411 to us from that and it was great – it was run by Hellen Woods. “And one woman came in with her two wee boys who, with their pocket money, bought selection boxes, and they’d bought wee cars too. “That’s not a huge donation but for small children to do that is great. “All of these little things and everybody doing their little bit made a huge difference to The Gate and what we were able to deliver.”

To spread a little festive cheer, food parcels were significantly increased and included festive treats like chocolates and sweets too. Marie said that she could not thank The Gate’s dedicated team of volunteers enough either, given their hard work over the festive period.

Adrienne Hilton, the foodbank’s coordinator, also made clear just how big the operation was to deliver The Gate’s services over Christmas. She continued: “December and January are our busiest months. “We probably get about a good quarter to a third of our annual donations in a six week period between the beginning of December and the middle of January. “We started off with three tonnes of food in November, and in December it went mad. We probably got about five tonnes of food in one month, so in two months we had eight tonnes.” Staggered by the sheer scale of support shown by Clacks residents, she added: “We are an area that is very deprived and has got high levels of poverty, but we are a community that looks after itself, and the generosity shows no bounds.”

Do you like to knit and natter and/or meet up with new friends? Come along to our Knit N Natter / Social Group at The Gate Centre, 2 Ludgate, ALLOA. Every Wednesday, 2pm – 4pm. Don’t worry if your cannot knit, we can teach you and there are also other social activities to get involved in. Some of our group members enjoy a game of dominos, cards or even connect 4. You can get involved or just come along for a coffee and a natter amongst others.

For further information, please call The Gate Centre 01259 218766.

ALLOA-BASED BSC Glasgow will donate the admission takings from their upcoming SFA South Challenge Cup match against Edusport Academy to The Gate Charity.

BSC have been ground-sharing with Alloa Athletic for the last two seasons and the club have also given away 50 free tickets to the match for service users at The Gate to go along to The Indodrill Stadium to enjoy the match.
George Fraser, BSC Glasgow’s general manager, said: “We have been playing in Alloa for a couple of seasons and we want to give back the warm welcome we’ve been given by the local community by donating our admission takings to The Gate, a charity which we believe do fantastic work in the community, offering an array of projects all designed to help people in need.
“The South Challenge Cup is always an exciting tournament for us and it’s one that we won in our inaugural season. We’re really looking forward to welcoming people from The Gate to enjoy what’s always an exciting match between ourselves and Edusport Academy.”
Marie Brownhill, Centre Manager at The Gate, added: “We are absolutely delighted to be supported by BSC Glasgow with this very kind donation of help.
“The Gate Charity operates various projects such as a Crisis Foodbank, Soup Pot, Community Café and Home Starter Pack service as well as smaller community services to help overcome social isolation, homelessness, poverty, mental health issues and addiction.
“As a charity, we are constantly fundraising and trying to raise much needed funds to operate our projects to support the most vulnerable within our community. We can’t thank BSC Glasgow enough for their very valued help and support.”
Admission at The Indodrill Stadium on Saturday is £4 for adults and £2 for concessions, with everything taken on the door being donated.
The club are encouraging everyone to come out and roar the side onto victory while supporting a fantastic local organisation.

Do you require catering for an event? We provide indoor and outdoor catering for events such as AGMs, Project Launches, Training Events and/or fun days.

We provide nutritious food at affordable prices.
Please telephone The Gate for prices and further information 01259 218766.