IPSWICH: In between pulling pints staff at two Ipswich pubs are today issuing a festive plea in a bid to help children in need this Christmas.

IPSWICH: In between pulling pints staff at two Ipswich pubs are today issuing a festive plea in a bid to help children in need this Christmas.

The Heathlands Hotel in Foxhall Road and the Shepherd and Dog in Felixstowe Road are to open their doors to help with Operation Christmas Child.

The national appeal encourages people to fill shoeboxes with small presents before it distributes the gifts to the poorest children around the world in time for Christmas.

The pubs are currently acting as drop-off points until November 18 and are now urging the public to get involved.

Shepherd and Dog general managers Dianne and Alex Christie said: “We're delighted to be supporting such a worthwhile campaign.

“We'll be doing everything we can to spread festive cheer and to put a smile on the faces of children in the most desperate situations around the world.”

The aim is to send a message of hope to suffering children regardless of nationality, political background or religious beliefs.

Gifts included in the shoeboxes should be aimed at boys and girls aged between two and 14-years-old.

Heathlands Hotel manager Stephen Clarke added: “Operation Christmas child is a fantastic campaign which gives the giver, as well as the receiver, a lot of pleasure.

“Choosing gifts for the children is the perfect activity to kick off the festive season and capture some real Christmas spirit.”

Full details on how and what to pack can be found at www.operationchristmaschild.org.uk.

Are you supporting a Christmas appeal? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk