Gifts with a Lift Returns for 73rd Year to Support Montana State Hospital Patients

WARM SPRINGS — For the 73rd consecutive year, Montanans across the state are answering the call to brighten the holidays for patients at Montana State Hospital through the Gifts with a Lift program.

The annual initiative, jointly coordinated by the Department of Public Health and Human Services and the National Alliance for Mental Illness-MT, ensures every patient at the state’s only publicly operated psychiatric hospital receives a gift this holiday season. The program relies exclusively on donations from the public.

“Each year, the MSH Gifts with a Lift program helps brighten the holiday season for those who are away from family, friends, and their communities,” said Sherry Spear, Gifts with a Lift coordinator. “Thanks to the generosity of our neighbors, the program continues to be a great success year after year. The staff and patients at MSH cannot express enough how grateful we are for the kindheartedness of the people of our great state.”

Montana State Hospital provides treatment to adults with serious mental illnesses, serving patients who are often separated from their loved ones during the holiday season.

What’s Needed

Organizers are especially seeking new winter coats for men and women in sizes medium through 3X, with larger sizes preferred. Hoodies are not accepted.

Other suggested gifts include:

• Pocket games and books
• Socks
• T-shirts and sweatshirts
• Cards
• Winter wear such as hats, gloves, and jackets
• Magazines
• Slippers
• Blankets and throws
• Handheld AM/FM radios
• Stationery

How to Donate

All gifts must be received by December 8 to ensure they arrive in time for the holidays. Mailed gifts should not be wrapped, and donors are encouraged to include their name and return address for acknowledgment.

Gifts or cash donations—checks payable to “Gifts with a Lift”—can be mailed to: Gifts with a Lift, c/o Sherry Spear, PO Box 300, Montana State Hospital, Warm Springs, MT 59756.

Individuals or service organizations interested in “adopting” a patient can contact Spear at (406) 693-7296.

Drop-Off Locations

Donations can also be dropped off at locations across Montana:

Anaconda: Anaconda/Deer Lodge County Courthouse, MSU Extension Office, Third Floor, 800 Main St. Contact: Paula Arneson, (406) 563-4035

Billings: Rainbow House, 925 North 18th. Drop-off times: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Contact: Kathy Drinkwalter, (406) 252-7851

Bozeman: The Help Center, 699 Farmhouse Lane. Drop-off times: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Contact: Bozeman NAMI, (406) 763-6270

Butte: Steele’s Warehouse, 800 S. Wyoming. Contact: Sherry Spear, (406) 693-7296

Deer Lodge: Christ Fellowship Church, 600 4th Street. Contact: Mary, (214) 543-2811

Helena: Behavioral Health Division, 301 S. Park Avenue, Suite 320. Contact: Cindy Dallas, (406) 444-3907

Missoula: Contact Shawn Gray at (406) 880-3173 to coordinate pickup of donations. All Missoula donations must be received by December 6.

Warm Springs: Montana State Hospital, PO Box 300. Contact: Sherry Spear, (406) 693-7296