Guest Editor – Vanessa Vestergaard, Operation Santa Claus Program Director
At Mental Health America of Greenville County (MHAGC), Operation Santa Claus is more than just delivering gifts—it’s about spreading MHAGC’s mission throughout the community and connecting with others in meaningful ways. In 2024, we proudly served four counties and delivered 513 gift bags to people who are unhoused or facing tough challenges. Through Operation Santa Claus, so many found a way to connect—whether by giving or receiving—and the holiday spirit brought staff, volunteers, and supporters together to make this year’s effort absolutely amazing.
After the whirlwind of packing, sorting, and counting, I want to take a moment to reflect and thank everyone who made this year so special.
First, a huge thank-you to our long-time faith-based partners: St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church, St. James Episcopal Church, New Hope Baptist, First Baptist, Trinity Lutheran, and St. George Greek Orthodox Church. These congregations have been with us for years, lifting us up with their blessings and incredible support. Because of them, we’re able to raise mental health awareness through their holiday programs while sharing hope and light during the season.
A big shout-out goes to the Carolina Center for Behavioral Health and Prisma Health’s Marshall I. Pickens Hospital. For over 10 years, amazing individuals like Greg Schlangen, Princess Small-Black, and Tina Sutton have led Operation Santa campaigns at their hospitals. Their dedication shows just how committed they are to helping people living with chronic mental health conditions.
We also couldn’t do this without the support of community organizations like Michelin and Wood Creek Dental. They’ve helped us host collection drives and raise much-needed items for our gift bags. Leaders like Barbara Jessen-White and Jackie Wood have truly gone above and beyond, not only by running these drives but also by making mental health a priority for their teams.
Now let’s talk about the next generation! Furman University, Green Charter School, and South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts have all stepped up in a big way. Rho Kappa at Green Charter raised over 400 pairs of socks, and Annie Rogers from the Governor’s School collected socks and hygiene items. Furman’s Heller Service Corps and Psychology Department went the extra mile, delivering over 80 perfectly-sized sweatshirts. These young adults are showing us what it means to care for others while balancing the pressures of school life.
And I can’t forget Timber Lab and Amanda Williams, who led a team of volunteers to pack and sort half of the gift bags. They made the whole process easier and so much fun—complete with holiday songs! I hope we’ve started a new tradition with them for years to come.
Of course, the act of giving wouldn’t mean as much without the joy of receiving. I want to thank the recipients of our gift bags for allowing us to share a little holiday cheer with them. And to the incredible social workers who delivered these bags with full hearts and warm smiles—you are the true heroes, bringing light and reassurance to so many lives.
Operation Santa Claus 2024 may be behind us, but the connections we’ve made will last. To everyone who played a part—our donors, website contributors, MHAGC staff, and the Wiseman family—thank you for your generosity.
My final wish is simple: Stay connected with MHAGC and keep being the amazing mental health advocates you’ve shown yourselves to be through Operation Santa Claus. Let’s carry this spirit of giving and hope into the year ahead!
