(KNOXVILLE, Tenn.) Each year the McNabb Center provides more than 2,300 children and families with holiday gifts and experiences through its Dear Santa program, presented by Discovery, Inc. 

Last year, of those 2,300 children more than 1,000 received Christmas gifts from a wish list as part of the Dear Santa Program. Children in need, who are clients of the McNabb Center, and their siblings, have the opportunity to fill out their wish list for Santa. The lists include toys as well as basic needs. Community individuals, businesses and civic organizations then have the ability to shop for a specific child or family.  

“We are seeing a greater need this holiday season,” said Rebecca McKnight, McNabb Center’s public relations and communications coordinator. “Many of the children and families we serve have been impacted by COVID-19, and many of the families we serve have the greatest needs and fewest resources.”

As of early November, the Dear Santa Program has more than 150 children ages birth through 18 years old still in need of a sponsor. The McNabb Center is working to fill lists daily and is seeking to match all children with a sponsor by Friday, Nov. 20. 

“We rely heavily on the generosity of our community and the spirit of giving,” said McKnight. “These donated gifts help us serve as many children as possible and help the children and families we serve experience the joy of the holiday season.”

Gifts for sponsored wish lists need to be delivered to the McNabb Center Tuesday, Dec. 2 – Friday, Dec. 4. Further drop-off information will be provided to sponsors when they sign up. For information about the Dear Santa program and how to sponsor a child, visit https://mcnabbfoundation.org/hrm_events/2020-dear-santa-program/

If you cannot sponsor a child, but still wish to contribute, visit https://mcnabbfoundation.org/donate/. For any additional information, please contact Rebecca McKnight at (865) 329-9176 or rebecca.mcknight@mcnabb.org.

The McNabb Center is the region’s leading nonprofit provider of mental health, substance use, social and victim services. By focusing on an individual’s “Well Mind, Well Being,” we provide a quality and compassionate approach to care from infancy through adulthood. Since 1948, the Center has proudly served individuals with the most needs and fewest resources. Today, the McNabb Center delivers support to more than 30,000 people throughout East Tennessee each year. For more information, visit www.mcnabbcenter.org or call 1-800-255-9711.