KIND-hearted businesses are hoping to help Johnstone families in crisis enjoy a Christmas dinner. 

Johnstone Business Consortium (JBC) is fundraising once again so disadvantaged families in the area will be given fresh ingredients to cook their own meal. 

All of the food will be locally sourced and give families the chance to enjoy a traditional dinner. 

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Allan Henderson, chairman of the JBC, said: “Johnstone gets a bad reputation but you always find at times like this that people are incredibly generous.

“Everything is fresh and all kindly supplied by businesses in Johnstone. 

“And, every family supported is from Johnstone and have been pinpointed as needing our support. 

“We are still needing some extra funds to help support us and to ensure everyone gets a Christmas dinner. 

“But, by hook or by crook we will find a way to put these meals on the table.”

Last year, the JBC supported 95 families and Mr Henderson expects there will be an even larger demand this Christmas.

Each hamper contained a steak pie - due to guidelines prohibiting raw turkey - fruit and veg, digestives and cheese and sweets for dessert for the full festive experience.

JBC has also just completed its Every Child deserves a gift this Christmas, which aims to provide toys to disadvantaged tots in the area. 

Working in tandem with local churches, the consortium has passed over an impressive haul of gifts that will be sure to make Christmas day extra special this year. 

Mr Henderson added: “The idea that children wake up on Christmas day with nothing is frankly disgusting. 

“But, knowing we are able to help ensure children have something is just fabulous.

“If we can help every child get a gift, that is what we want.

“We are so thankful to everybody who supported us and it really shows that Johnstone always pulls through.”

READ MORE: Johnstone Business Consortium give gifts to families in crisis

People wishing to donate to the Every Family deserves a Christmas meal can either give cash to any of the 30 collection tins based in local businesses or visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/carole-mclellan.

Donations close on Monday to allow the JBC the chance to prepare the hampers in time for Christmas Day.