The clients of Mental Health Services of North Central Alabama can hardly wait for Operation Santa, a Christmas dinner and holiday program put on by the Athens Ladies Civitan Club in their honor.

Now in its 14th year, the Dec. 5, invitation-only event brings together all things Christmas — a turkey dinner with all the trimmings, gift-giving, holiday-themed charades featuring local celebrities such as Athens Mayor Ronnie Marks and Athens Fire Chief Bryan Thornton and of course, the big man himself, Santa Claus.

Mental Health Services of North Central Alabama operates a group home in Decatur and a day program at the Athens-Limestone Counseling Center.

Event chairperson Marilyn Ford explained that the Ladies Civitan group started holding a Christmas program for area residents who struggle with mental illness because there “was a need” and “it fit with their mission statement to help those who are physically and mentally challenged.”

For the last six years, Friendship United Methodist Church in Athens has donated their fellowship hall space for the dinner and program.

“They look forward to Operation Santa all year,” Lynne Hart, a member of the Athens Ladies Civitan Club, said. “It is such a joy to watch them light up and get into the day’s events.”

Local resident, Richard Morris, has played the role of Jolly Old St. Nick for the last four years and according to Ford, he does it well.

“He gets out there and dances with our guests, and lets them sit on his lap and pose for pictures,” she said. “He is a wonderful man, and the Lord will bless him for the time he gives.”

The group began planning for Operation Santa months ago. Over 130 people, including mental health clients, the church’s staff, Mental Health Services of North Central Alabama staff and board members, Athens city officials and representatives from Athens Fire & Rescue and Athens Police Department are expected to attend.

The Civitan group holds several fundraisers throughout the year, including the upcoming Dec. 10 Bells of Christmas Holiday Homes Tour and a spring Vidalia onion sale to help pay for Operation Santa.

During the holidays, the group also throws an annual Christmas party for special needs children from Tanner’s elementary, middle and high schools. Santa (again played by Morris) brings the children small gifts, and the group provides them with holiday goodies.