BANKIES are being encouraged to make a child smile this Christmas by donating small gifts for children less fortunate.

Tom Sheridan, owner of Clydebank Estate and Letting Agents, is asking people in the area to hand in a selection box or a small gift for kids who may not get presents on Christmas Day.

He started the campaign dubbed “Make a Child Smile” and every time someone donates a gift, he will donate one himself.

The received donations will be handed over to various charities including West Dunbartonshire Community Foodshare and Golden Friendships.

Tom told the Post: “It is very sad the stories I have been hearing. Loads of kids are not going to get anything for Christmas.

“It is really important that we try and help people less fortunate than ourselves. If we don’t do something, kids in our area will go without.

“I can’t imagine my kids waking up to nothing on Christmas, but this is a reality and I didn’t realise this until I got involved with charities.

“We need to stop and think about that. Some kids don’t even get a dinner, that makes me so sad. It is not made up, it’s the truth and that’s why I’ve created the campaign. If everyone donates a wee bit, it all goes a long way.”

After a small appeal on Facebook, more than 200 donations have already been handed over by kind-hearted Bankies leaving the staff in the office “truly overwhelmed by the generosity of the community.”

Clydebank MSP Gil Paterson praised Tom’s “Make a Child Smile” campaign.

He said: “Once again, Bankies are showing their tremendous generosity and community spirit to help make Christmas special for local children.

“Christmas should be a magical time for all, so it is heart breaking to think of any child waking up to nothing on Christmas day.

“Tom’s scheme is a fantastic example of the kind of thing that happens all over the community. I would like to take this opportunity to add my thanks to everyone involved in these compassionate projects.”

Antonine 08’s Football Team, GM Auto Repairs, JCM Joiners, Jim McLaren, CJ Grace Finesse Fitness, Lainey’s Takeaway, Kelley Lewis, John McLelland and Joanne Matchett are only some of the businesses and individuals supporting the cause.

If you would like to help, donations can be handed in to the Clydebank Estate and Letting Agents office on Kilbowie Road by December 15.