The City of Statesboro is seeking donations for the 52nd Annual Mayor's Christmas Motorcade, where municipal leaders head up the drive to bring holiday treats and supplies to patients at area mental health hospitals.
      The effort has brought smiles to patients at the hospitals for 50 years, and was founded by the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) in cooperation with former governor Ernest Vandiver.
      Carrie Camden, executive assistant with the City of Statesboro's city manager's office, said cities across Georgia join together each year to take items to patients in the state's seven regional mental health and retardation hospitals.
      The program "relies on citizen participation in each city to donate gifts for the patients, many of whom would not receive gifts or be recognized without the Mayors' Christmas Motorcade," she said. "According to hospital staff, many of the patients at these hospitals have lived there most of their lives and have little, if any, support or contact with friends and family."
      Donated items should include toiletries, jewelry, educational and other toys, games, puzzles, stationery, new clothing and CDs. Patients are of all ages, but most are adults between 25 and 55, she said.
      All gifts should be new and unwrapped, and donations of gift wrapping items are appreciated as well. Nothing glass or with sharp edges should be included.
      Items donated by Statesboro citizens will be delivered to Georgia Regional Hospital in Savannah on Dec. 8, she said.
       "We would like everybody who can, to please participate in the Motorcade," said Statesboro Mayor Joe Brannen, speaking during a recent City Council meeting where he also encouraged council members to participate. He also informed city officials of a GMA meeting to be held at Lady and Sons in Savannah after the motorcade delivery is made.
      Camden said the donations should be dropped off by Dec. 3. For more information on how you can participate or donate, call Camden at 764-0683 or visit City Hall located on East Main Street. There are donation boxes located in various businesses around town as well, she said.

Holli Deal Bragg may be reached at (912) 489-9414.