For 20+ years, a group of volunteers have been working to ensure the clientele of the Counseling Center in Lisbon had something under the Christmas tree. A recovery group, led by Thelma Rist, works year round gathering donations to ensure having something under the tree for the kids was possible for those effected by mental illness. Each year it seemed the request for assistance has grown, leaving the toy closet empty from the previous year. Staff at the Counseling Center decided to take action early this year… and recruited some off season Santa’s. With economic times being difficult, the Counseling Center chose to be Jolly in July. The Toy Drive kicked off July 1st and included a frozen cocoa and cookie break for our Santas, wrapping up July 28th.

Through the month of July, staff were challenged to “fill the stage” with new toy donations by the Vocational department. The organizers were overwhelmed with the generous donations from staff and the community during the month; Betty Larkins stated, “not only were we able to fill the stage – but donations also took up a lot of floor space around the stage. It truly speaks to the volume of commitment the staff and community has to helping those individuals affected by mental illness or substance use disorders that need a little extra assistance around the holidays to ensure the kids have a chance to unwrap a smile.” Organizers state the toy drive’s success came not only from the Counseling Center staff but from community sponsors including the Lisbon Eagles Club, Genoa Healthcare, Yohman’s Liquidations and a few secret Santa’s! New toy or monitory donations are accepted year round at the Counseling Center’s Lisbon location.