Community Santa Campaign readies for holiday season

For more than 25 years, the Community Santa Campaign has provided children, seniors and the disabled with gifts or money to ensure a merry Christmas, and this year is no different.

The Santa House has a new location and longer hours to provide help for those wanting holiday assistance.
Monday will be the first day to register for assistance at the Santa House, now located at 1400 S. Limit Ave. Unit No. 23 in the State Fair Shopping Center.

Carol McMillin is leading this year’s Community Santa Campaign.

“We have so many people that have bee so generous,” McMillin said.

The new location was donated by Webb & Sons. The building is fully heated and provides room for the storage of toys.

McMillin said last year the campaign helped between 600 and 700 families put presents under their tree.

“We think these numbers will go up this year because of the economy,” McMillin said.

Bob Milner headed the campaign in previous years and continues to donate his time by picking up and distributing presents.

“We filled every order that every child wanted last year,” Milner said.

Children ages 11 and younger get to make a wish list of two toys that they want and McMillin will search her inventory or wait for that toy to be donated.

Pettis County youths ages 12 to 17, seniors citizens and disabled people will receive a gift certificate to use at a local business.

“It’s just amazing to me how generous people are,” Milner said.

McMillin is looking for families, churches, businesses or individuals to adopt those in need. People who adopt will be sent a letter about their family and their wish list.

“We try very hard to make them happy,” McMillin said.

The Santa House will  accept applications from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays through Nov. 20 and 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 14. Hours will be extended Nov. 17 to 8 p.m. to make sure families who work later shifts can come in.

McMillin said donations of new or gently used toys and cash are accepted. Donations can be dropped of at the Santa House, area banks, Wal-Mart, the Sedalia Democrat and other area businesses.

Donations also may be mailed to P.O. Box 43, Sedalia, MO 65302.

For more information contact McMillin at 473-2408 or by e-mail at communitysanta@gmail.com.