Santa Day, one of the most exciting events of the year at Mississippi State Hospital, was held on Tuesday, December 19, 2023.
The activities began at Building 71, the Christmas House, at 9:30 a.m.
Santa Day was started by James “Jimmy” Stubbs, who was MSH director from 1975-88. On Santa Day, volunteers, elected officials, and MSH employees dressed as Santa Claus visit each and every patient and resident building on the campus to personally deliver holiday gifts. Each MSH patient and Jaquith Nursing Home resident receives a gift bag with clothing, games, and activities.
A multitude of volunteers have visited the campus this year and provided nearly 30 holiday parties for the patients and residents served at MSH. Some groups do caroling, and others bring food and gifts. Santa Day is the culmination of those holiday activities.
Call the MSH Public Relations office at (601) 351-8018 for more information.
2023 Mississippi State Hospital Santas are pictured Front Row (l to r) – Chaplain Dennis Spivey (MSH), Gale Martin (Past President and Friends of MSH Board Member), Senator Hillman Frazier (District 27), Representative Lance Varner (District 62), Gene Miller (Volunteer), Daniel Elliott (President, Rankin County Market, Candence Bank)
Back Row (l to r) – Jerry Johnson (Print Shop Manager, MSH), Billy Morehead (Mississippi College), Martin Keil (First Senior Vice President, Community Bank), Carl Mangum (UMMC School of Nursing), Bo Chastain (Hospital Director, MSH), Jeff Luckey (Police Chief, MSH), Bobby Browning (Valic), Patrick Fontaine (Fontaine Insurance Services)