CHRISTMAS is a time for families to get together, celebrate and enjoy a day of festivities - including a good meal.

But not everyone can look forward to a decent meal. Sadly, not everyone has a family to celebrate Christmas with.

StreetSmart is a campaign where restaurants ask their diners to "share in the spirit of Christmas" by adding a $2 donation to their bill, with 100 per cent of the money going to local organisations to help the homeless and needy.

Three local restaurants, Bar Bosh in Fountain Gate, The Grayn in Pakenham and Ambrosia in Berwick, are taking part this year.

Bar Bosh owner Peter Flugge says he is thrilled to be part of the program.

"We participated in StreetSmart at our Knox restaurant in the past two years and it was very successful. We are really pleased to bring it to Fountain Gate. It is such a worthwhile project - when we think about going out and enjoying a great meal, others should at least be able to have a meal."

The owners of The Grayn are also looking forward to raising a large amount for this year's appeal.

"We are pleased to be involved with an organisation like StreetSmart, which helps the homeless at a local level."

An initiative of Adam Robinson - now chief executive officer of StreetSmart - the project began in 2003 in Melbourne and has extended across Victoria, New South Wales, ACT and Queensland.

Adam says StreetSmart has so far raised and distributed over $485,000 to groups working with homeless people.

"We want more restaurants to participate and more diners to choose to go StreetSmart - this way we can change more lives".

StreetSmart patron Reverend Tim Costello says the

money funds a diverse range of projects and services, including food, shelter and longer-term projects that help disadvantaged people reconnect with their community.