‘Gifts With A Lift’ spreads holiday cheer
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News from the Department of Public Health and Human Services
MONTANA — The Department of Public Health and Human Services announced today that donation boxes have been set up at various locations to receive holiday gifts that benefit Montana State Hospital patients.
The effort is part of the annual Gifts With A Lift program that has played an instrumental role in spreading holiday cheer to patients for the past 64 years. The program ensures that all state hospital patients have a gift under the Christmas tree.
MSH Gifts With A Lift coordinator Beth Eastman said the program is very important to MSH patients.
“This program means the world to MSH patients, and helps brighten their day,” she said. “And, it’s been successful due to the amazing generosity of Montana residents, who are always there to help out their fellow citizens.”
The program has been jointly coordinated by the National Alliance for Mental Illness-MT and DPHHS. Ideas for gift suggestions include, but are not limited to the following: Pocket games/books, CDs/CD players, socks, T-shirts/ sweatshirts, cards, hats/ gloves, magazines, fanny packs, phone cards, jackets, craft kits, batteries, slippers, blankets/throws, headphones, postage stamps and stationery. MSH is especially in need of winter coats for men and women in sizes XL- 5X.
Individuals or service organizations interested in “adopting” a patient are encouraged to contact Beth Eastman of the Montana State Hospital at 406-693- 7145.
Gifts mailed to the hospital should not be wrapped; however, donations of wrapping paper and gift boxes are welcome.
“Please include a name and address in the package and a return receipt so we may acknowledge the arrival of your gifts,” Eastman said.
Gifts or cash donations can be mailed to Gifts With A Lift, c/o Beth Eastman, PO Box 300, Montana State Hospital, Warm Springs, MT 59756. In order to arrive in time for Christmas, gifts should be dropped off or mailed by Dec. 12. Make checks payable to: Gifts with a Lift.
Montana State Hospital is the only publicly operated inpatient psychiatric hospital in the state. It provides treatment to adults who have serious mental illnesses and who are referred from hospitals, mental health programs, and district courts from across the state.
