King to visit food bank and community centre in Alloa

Alloa: The Gate charity has been around for 14 years, helping folks facing homelessness and food struggles. It’s grown into a vital part of the community, offering a cafe, book club, family nights, and even bingo breakfasts.

With 11 staff members and about 90 volunteers, The Gate also provides training placements for young people who’ve faced job challenges. It’s great to see many clients stepping up as volunteers and finding paid work through their experiences.

The King will kick off his visit by chatting with the volunteers and staff in the cafe. Later, he’ll meet with representatives from charities that have received awards for their service, all in a cozy multi-purpose room.

Some of the recognized groups include Forth Valley Welcome, Homestart Clackmannanshire, and Breathe Easy. They all do amazing work, hosting events that support the local community and create safe spaces for everyone.

Before wrapping up his visit, Charles will stop by The Gate’s food bank. Besides that, they’ve launched several ‘food larders’ to help even more families, thanks to support from schools and local businesses as needs have grown.

After a recent makeover, The Gate now offers cooking classes and is testing out ways to turn surplus food into healthy meals for families. They also provide free or low-cost school uniforms throughout the year.

Plus, there’s a charity shop called The Hub, where people can find good quality clothes, household items, and toys. It’s all about supporting the community and making a difference!