Local cab firm Johnstone TOA made a fare donation when they rolled up at Renfrewshire Foodbank loaded with goods for the warehouse.

Saddened to hear there had been a shortage of items being delivered to the local foodbank, they decided to take matters into their own hands and provide some of the areas most underprivileged people with much needed supplies.

Emerging from two American styled cabs, the kind-hearted taxi staff left the Paisley Foodbank astonished before they realised what was about to happen.

The idea for the food donation was the brainchild of Johnstone TOA’s general manager, Debbie Anderson.

Debbie 33, from Johnstone, said: “I’m a mum-of-three and it just breaks my heart to think local people, including young families, are so strapped for cash they cannot afford to have a decent meal.

“We have more than 60 people here at TOA and I decided we had to do our bit for the community, especially as there is a food distribution centre practically on our doorstep.” The two car-loads of food, which were raised in just a matter of weeks, mean many local people living under the poverty line will be able to have a proper meal.

The company, which is based at Johnstone railway station and serves the Renfrewshire area, has a number of yellow branded cabs in their fleet of 60 cars.

Taxi driver Jim Lafferty, 55, from Johnstone Castle, said: “We all like a good moan about how skint we are and the price of this and that, but realising how down on their luck some local people are really does make you stop and think. I will definitely be dropping more food off at the warehouse.” The busy taxi firm, which operates a free phone taxi service at Morrisons in Johnstone, has since vowed to keep on delivering to Renfrewshire Foodbank’s warehouse in Abercorn Street, Paisley.

The company will shortly be appealing to its customers, through social media and supermarket bookings, and hopes to encourage customers to buy a few extra tins when shopping and hand them to their taxi driver.

Debbie continued: “We realise people have busy lives and may not have the time to take the food to the warehouse, so we plan to act as a middleman.

“If our customers are traveling from the supermarket in one of our taxis we would be more than happy to collect a bag of dried food and tins and deliver to the warehouse in Paisley on their behalf. This started of as an on-off thing, but we’re all really committed to doing more and would ask other local people to get involved.” Taxi driver Ricky Wilson 45, from Linwood, said: “If I can help feed a family in need by collecting a small bag of food here and there then I’m more than happy to do my bit.” Roslyn McVeigh, manager at Renfrewshire Foodbank, added: “We are always looking for donations and are overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of the people at Johnstone TOA, they’ve provided a great selection for our clients.

“The donation could not have come at a more needed time as demand at the foodbank has once again risen and the demand for parcels is outweighing supply. To have a new regular supplier is a real answer to our prayers.

“The commitment shown by Debbie and the TOA management to collect food from customers and bring it to the warehouse on Abercorn Street is exceptional. It really is a fantastic example of true community spirit.” Those wishing to donate are asked to take bags to the warehouse, not the distribution centres. For more details log onto www.renfrewshire.foodbank.org.uk