CARING staff at a Johnstone coffee shop are hoping support will pour in for their efforts to help those in need this Christmas.

Johnstone Coffee Co, in the town’s High Street, is joining other local traders to back the Night Before Christmas Campaign (NB4CC), which aims to ensure as many children as possible are able to experience the magic of the most wonderful time of the year.

Toni Marshall, who opened the cafe 18 months ago, has set up a tree with hanging gift tags, each of which has a gender and an age.

This means whoever takes a tag can buy gifts for that particular person.

Toni, 27, told The Gazette: “We wanted to take part in the campaign because this year has been really hard for a lot of people and, with Christmas coming up, we thought we should be supporting the community.

“The Night Before Christmas Campaign team reached out to us and asked if we would take part. We were happy to agree, as it is a great cause.

“Once our customers take a tag, they buy a gift – based on the gender and age that is on it – and they then pop back in with the gift. We then act as a pick-up point for the charity.”

Staff and players at Johnstone Burgh are also playing their part by supporting the festive initiative.

The football club is using it’s Keanie Park ground as a drop-off point for donations.

Gail Fisher, a trustee for NB4CC, said: “This has been a difficult year for everyone and we have already seen a massive increase in requests across Renfrewshire – and particularly in Johnstone.

“We really appreciate the support and it is nice to have like-minded people who are taking this up on our behalf.

“A big thank-you goes to the guys at Johnstone Coffee Co.”