Can you imagine the feeling of not having family and friends?  Many citizens living in facilities throughout Wayne County have no family or friends that visit them throughout the year and especially during the holiday season.  The Mental Health Association in Wayne County sponsors Operation Santa Claus each year to provide these residents Christmas presents and vistors during the holiday season.  Many citizens that have mental illness and/or disabilities live in local nursing homes and care facilities amd are in need of the basic necessities such as clothing and personal hgiene products and have no one to provide them.  What a way to show the Christmas spirit by donating to provide basic needs to local citizens.

     Operation Santa Claus received "Wish List" from local nursing homes and care facilities for residents with no family and friends.  The wish list include items from clothing, hygiene items and an occasional toy, book or music.  Monetary donations are needed to provide these gifts to the facilities.  Without support from the community it is not possible to purchase these gifts.  This year's goal is to raise $10,000.00 to supoort the wishes of 338 citizens in Wayne County.  Every little bit counts in improving the lives of the forgotten citizens in our county.

     Another way to help is to collect personal hygiene items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, combs, brushes, soap and shampoo.  These items are on everyone's wish list.  The homeless in Wayne County are also included in this program.  Goldsboro Police Department house sleeping bags that go below freezing to distribute to the homeless in Wayne County that do not go to shelters.  These sleeping Bags provide them with some warmth on those cold winter nights.

     "This program is one of the most rewarding parts of my job", says Amy ROux, Executive Director.  "I help bring joy and happiness to many citizens throught the county."  "Each year, my children and I shop, wrap and deliver gifts for one or two facilities."  "To see the faces when you give them a present and spending time with them is like watching a child opening presents on Christmas morning."  This feeling should last throughout the year and what a great way to show the true meaning on Christmas.

     Operation Santa Claus has been sponsored by MHAWC and other MHA chapters throughout North Carolina since 1960. The Mental Health Association in Wayne County is a non profit organization that promotes and advocated for mental health wellness and recovery.  For information about this program and all of our programs, visit our website at www.mha-wc.org.

     Please make the decision now to be a part of the holiday spirit of Operation Santa Claus!  It is through the support of Wyane County individuals, churches, businesses and civic organizations that we are able to provide assistance to those forgotten in our community.  To make a tax deductible donation, mail to Operation Santa Claus, PO Box 1476, Goldsboro, NC 27533. If you would like to donate hygiene items, shop, wrap and/or deliver gifts, contact our office at 919-734-3530 or email us at mhawc@esn.net.