HELP put a smile on the faces of less fortunate children this Christmas by donating a present to them.While many children will be lucky enough to celebrate at home with their families this year, some youngsters will be spending their Christmas Day in hospital or in a hospice.

By Jessica Nicholls

HELP put a smile on the faces of less fortunate children this Christmas by donating a present to them.

While many children will be lucky enough to celebrate at home with their families this year, some youngsters will be spending their Christmas Day in hospital or in a hospice.

To help brighten their day, the Ipswich Hospital League of Friends have set up The Night Before Christmas Present Appeal for the third year running.

The group is appealing for new and unwrapped gifts suitable for youngsters aged from new born babies to 16-year-olds which will be given to children at Ipswich Hospital, the Children's Hospice and West Villa.

This year the appeal is being run in conjunction with the Sir Bobby Robson Jubilee Appeal which was set up to raise money for vital equipment for the hospital.

The League is trying to raise £55,000 for a double-headed microscope which will make operations easier for patients who need reconstructive surgery following mouth, jaw or facial cancer.

Donations should be made payable to the League of Friends and sent to 3 Berry Close, Ipswich IP3 8SP or the League of Friends, Staff Development Office, Ipswich Hospital, Heath Road, Ipswich.

Drop of points for presents include Antonio Giavanni, 14 Tacket Street, Ipswich, Alder Carr Farm, Needham Market, Asda, Ipswich, Bretts Bakery, Needham Market, Fitness First, Russell Road, Ipswich, HSBC, High Street, Felixstowe, Ipswich Hospital, Heath Road, Maternity Tower Reception, Ipswich County Library, Northgate Street, Ipswich, Kingpin Bowling, Gloster Road, Martlesham Heath, Marks and Spencer, High Street, Felixstowe, Next Generation, Ransomes Europark, Ipswich.

See the Evening Star later in the week for further drop off points.

n. More volunteers are always needed to help the League of Friends in their important role.

A number of roles are available from helping with the Bobby Robson Appeal, the parish community project, fundraising, the visiting service, administration and secretarial.

Wherever your talents lie and however much or little time you have, the League want to hear from you.

For more information contact Jane Symes on 01473 702168 or 07984 760167.