CHRISTMAS came early for two community groups thanks to generous donations from Asda in Alloa.

Hawkhill Community Centre and Clackmannan Community Council have been recognised for their work in the local area, after receiving a total of £1,000 between them to help organise a festive season to remember.

The £450 donation to Hawkhill Community Centre allowed the group to provide delicious Christmas dinners for those who otherwise wouldn’t get one due to challenging life circumstances.

Clackmannan Community Council also used the donation of £550 to provide a delicious three course lunch at Clackmannan Town Hall with refreshments and professional entertainment for 188 pensioners from Clackmannan, Kennet and Forrestmill.

The Christmas community campaign is celebrating the hard work, that often goes unrecognised, of the volunteers, carers and fellow Asda colleagues who dedicate their own time and efforts to helping other people.

Supported by grants from the Asda Foundation, its aim is to help spread festive cheer in local communities throughout December, helping to fund Christmas parties for those who may need a little extra support this holiday season.

Joanna Scobie, community champion for Asda Alloa, said: "Both Hawkhill Community Centre and Clackmannan Community Council are absolutely brilliant – real local heroes who do so much within the Alloa community.

"It’s a privilege to be able to bring some Christmas joy to the people in our community who deserve it most at this special time of the year.

"Asda Alloa is delighted to reward the volunteers who make a difference throughout the year. The donation allowed people to enjoy a delicious Christmas dinner and spend time together."

Carol Smith, chairperson of Clackmannan Community Council, added: "We're so grateful to Asda Alloa for their amazing support. The Christmas lunch was fantastic and everyone who attended had a brilliant time."

Stephen MacFarlane, Asda Alloa store manager, said: "This Christmas, as part of Asda’s mission to reward those who have gone above and beyond, the Asda Foundation is investing thousands of pounds to reward the year-round work of local heroes in the community who help improve the lives of others in their local area.

"We see the foundation as one of the many ways to give something back to the communities that support us.

"That’s why we lend a hand to the wide range of good causes with which our colleagues are involved, sharing their passion and helping to make a difference through a variety of projects across the UK."

Set up in 1988, the Asda Foundation is a registered charity that aims to have a positive impact on local communities, making independent grants to provide support to a range of local good causes, chosen by Asda’s community life colleagues throughout the UK.

It funds charitable projects and activities what have the ability and potential to achieve change for the better – with the aim of making a significant difference to local communities and the people who live there, both now and in the future.