Christmas Store Seeking Assistance

Denise Bell
Post Managing Editor

A Post Editorial

November 17, 2008

The Christmas Store, located on the second floor of Terrell State Hospitals Volunteer Services Center, is a unique place designed to give each patient the ability to feel good about themselves each Christmas.

Constructed like an old fashioned Christmas Store, volunteers assist patients in selecting gifts for their family and friends each Christmas, absolutely free of charge.

Patients who are not allowed to leave hospital grounds are brought to the store shortly before Christmas, and are invited to shop for gifts they may give family and friends that visit for Christmas.

Throughout the year volunteers carefully evaluate received donations, often saving choice items for the Christmas Store. Toys, perfume, books, house wares, and more are displayed on tables and shelves so that patients may browse and choose gifts in a Christmas Store atmosphere.

However, like many programs, the current economic climate has effected donations and this year the Christmas Store could really benefit from the generous natures of the citizens of the community.

Terrell State Hospital has slightly more than 300 patients and although many are children, the 123 year old state operated psychiatric facility also houses many adult and geriatric patients.

In addition to the Christmas Store where patients select gifts for loved ones, volunteers also provide all patients with a wrapped Christmas gift box on Christmas morning.

These boxes are specifically supplied with approved personal products, some of which patients rarely receive. Items that wouldn’t be considered Christmas gifts to many are valued and cherished by the patients of Terrell State Hospital.

Post readers are encouraged to review the attached list and pictures of the both the Christmas Store and the empty shelves within the volunteer headquarters, and then consider opening their hearts to this very worth while Christmas effort.

The Volunteer Services Council is a totally non-profit organization and one solely formed to benefit the lives of the patients residing within Terrell State Hospital.

For more information about how you might help contact Sheila Kunick Community Relations representative at 972- 524-6452 Ext. 8639 or visit www.tshvolunteerservicescouncil.com.

Click Image to Enlarge