Mental Health Association sponsoring holiday drive
By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on November 29, 2007 1:45 PM
From staff reports
The Mental Health Association in Wayne County is again sponsoring Operation Santa Claus for those in need of basic necessities at holiday time.
A wish list received from local nursing homes and care facilities for residents without family support is matched with monetary donations, by which the items are purchased. Volunteers shop, wrap and deliver the gifts to the facilities.
This year's goal is $10,000, which will support the wishes of 334 citizens in Wayne County, including the homeless, said Amy Roux, executive director of the association. Operation Santa Claus also provides sleeping bags, donated to Goldsboro Police Department for the homeless that resist going to a shelter.
Another way to contribute is to collect personal hygiene items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, combs, brushes, soap and shampoo.
The program has been sponsored by the Mental Health Association in Wayne County and other chapters around the state since 1960.
To make tax deductible monetary donations, mail to Operation Santa Claus, P.O. Box 1476, Goldsboro, NC 27533. To donate hygiene items or volunteer, contact the office at 734-3530 or e-mail mhawc@esn.net.