MORE than 175 Johnstone children would have gone without toys this Christmas had it not been for the kindness of the community.

The Johnstone Business Consortium appealed to members of the public to gather around the town square and donate gifts to the less fortunate.

On Saturday, December 10, the group took up base at the band stand with the determination that these youngsters would have a smile on their face this Christmas.

Charity The Night Before Christmas donated more than 40 boxes, containing parcels with items such as toothpaste, chocolate, novelties, pyjamas and scarves.

The 151st Boys Brigade helped the group put the boxes together which made a fantastic start to the collection and inspired passersby to get involved.

Stacey Thomson, secretary of the Johnstone Business Consortium and owner of the town’s Pet Shop was “humbled” by the generosity of the townspeople.

She said: “There are currently 175 families in crisis in Johnstone so we wanted to ensure every child got a gift this Christmas.

“Some of the parents had already warned their children saying that Santa wouldn’t be able to make it this year which is heartbreaking.

“The number of people that donated is amazing and we managed to fill three car loads of gifts.

“Having the collection in Houstoun Square meant that a few people started asking questions and inspired them to help.

“One lady went along to Poundstretchers and spent a small fortune, returning with arms full of presents.

“Even now we are still getting donations from people who couldn’t make it along on the day.”

Word about the charitable drive even spread thousands of miles away, with an Australian woman, whose sister stays in Johnstone, even sending gifts from abroad.

The agency that the gifts have been sent to will have everything laid out unwrapped for the parents to bring home to children aged from newborns to 16-years-old.

This is so that the parents can get involved in choosing the parents and to ensure that the gifts are something that the children will truly appreciate.

Christmas paper, ribbons and cards were also donated to ensure that less fortunate families are able to wrap their gifts too.

Stacey continued: “From this week, they will be contacting families and there won’t be a child without a present this Christmas.

“The shops that were taking part in the appeal were getting emotional seeing so much support from everyone in the community.

“This is the first time we have run this and we will definitely be doing it again next year.

“It humbles you knowing how much you have and how little these people have. That’s why we do this”