A kind-hearted Helensburgh group which allowed hundreds of families to have a happy Christmas is launching its 2023 campaign.

The Helensburgh and Lochside Helping Others project is starting this year’s Christmas Toys and Treats Appeal, which gives gifts and Christmas dinners to locals in need.

The campaign is looking for generous locals to donate gifts or cash so that they can help families in need.

Organised by Linda McMillan Shanks, the campaign benefitted over 400 people last winter with volunteers hoping to be able to help even more this year.

Linda said: “The Christmas Toys and Treats Appeal helps struggling families and last year 402 children and adults received gifts.”

To raise funds for the gifts, the group will sell scratch cards for £5 each, with £200 on offer for 1st prize, £100 for 2nd, and £50 for 3rd.

There will also be a raffle, with tickets costing £2.50, and money raised from both the raffle and scratch cards will go towards Christmas dinner hampers.

Businessman and former Lomond North councillor Paul Collins has donated £300 to the campaign and Rosneath local Autumn Brown has given the group 24 hot water bottles for their cosy packs.

The local Morrisons community champion Brandon has chosen to support the group’s campaign and will be fundraising for them through the store’s Christmas tree project.

Gifts can be dropped off at 13 Benmore, School Road, Kilcreggan, or they can be collected thanks to the group's new car.

For more information and to arrange a pick up, email helensburghhelpingothers@gmail.com or call 07555628131.