Operation Santa Claus Celebrates 56 Years of Service

In 1952 Alice Kidd founded Operation Santa Claus, which is Alabama’s 56-year-old gift drive for persons with mental illness.  By soliciting gifts and financial support from her friends and other volunteers, Ms. Kidd provided Christmas gifts for patients at Bryce Hospital in Tuscaloosa.  Since that time, the program has spread to the state’s other mental health facilities.

The goal of the Board of Directors of Mental Health America in Montgomery is to continue to expand upon this wonderful tradition by providing as many gifts as possible to adults (within the tri-county area), who are in recovery from a mental illness.  “Last year the Association provided around 500 gifts and this year we hope to provide even more,” said Judge Will O’Rear, President.  “Mental Health America of Alabama affiliates will provide over 4,000 gifts statewide,” said Wanda Laird, Executive Director of Mental Health America in Montgomery.

Montgomery’s First Lady, Judge Lynn Bright, and Probate Judge Reese McKinney are serving as the honorary local chairpersons and Alabama’s First Lady Patsy Riley is the state honorary chairperson.  They will be joined by Commissioner John Houston; Allen Stewart, Director of Greil Memorial Psychiatric Hospital; and Mental Health America of Alabama affiliates on October 30 at 10:30 a.m. at the Governor’s Mansion for the official kick-off press conference/reception.  The Junior League of Montgomery will serve as hostesses for the event.  Members of the Dalraida United Methodist Church are also helping with the collection and wrapping of gifts as well as providing refreshments for a party for clients. Charlie Colvin, Executive Director of the United Way will serve as Santa Claus and present gifts to the honorary chairpersons and other dignitaries.  

“We are so grateful for the River Region’s continued support of Operation Santa Claus – this program steeped in history.  The only way possible for us to make wishes come true for these deserving individuals is with the support and active participation of the entire community – the Junior League, local churches, schools, businesses and individuals, ” said MHA in Montgomery Board Co-Chairperson Anne Graham. Please help ensure that no one is forgotten during the holidays by adopting a client, donating NEW and UNWRAPPED items (suggested on the attached wish list), or you may send a monetary donation.  “A volunteer of Mental Health America in Montgomery will be happy to shop on your behalf,” said Board Co-Chairperson Shirley Carlisle.  Consider a corporate sponsorship or remember someone with a memorial contribution.  You may also volunteer by placing a decorated collection box or bin in your church, school or business.  Please assist us by delivering gifts to Mental Health America in Montgomery, 1116 South Hull Street, by November 25, 2008.

The real enemies of individuals in recovery from a mental illness are loneliness and isolation.  The mentally ill are often the forgotten members of our society.  And they are forgotten more during the Christmas season than at any other time during the year.  Help us make sure that they are remembered in a special way…support Operation Santa Claus today.

See wish list below.