Help Make the Holidays Brighter Through Dayspring Village’s 37th Annual Secret Santa Program

Dayspring Village is a licensed limited mental health Assisted Living Facility located in Boulonge, Florida, just north of Hilliard. The facility specializes in caring for adults with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder.

Suicide is a real danger during the holidays for those who struggle with serious mental illness. It is estimated that among adults with schizophrenia, 25% will attempt to end their lives during the course of their illness, and 10% will die by suicide.

The promise of each life is critical to the social fabric of our communities, families, and friends. Holiday stress can lead to increased symptoms, and for many who struggle with serious mental illness, holidays are often defined by hospital stays, homelessness, incarceration, or living inside a state hospital.

Dayspring Village has a program called SECRET SANTA – part of a month-long effort to “lean in” and help create greater engagement throughout the holiday season.

Each year, Dayspring Village depends on the goodness of neighbors, local business owners, friends, and advocates to help adopt each of its 122 residents for Christmas. To get involved, simply contact Secret Santa Coordinator Ashlin L. at 904-845-7501 or by email at directcareworker1@dayspringvillage.org.

Community members can also help by donating home-baked snacks for the evenings or sharing musical talents with residents.

The true gift of Christmas is not what is received, but rather the difference made in the life of another. The gift of the Savior serves as a reminder that the goodness of people resides in the gifts they make in the lives of those around them.

Too many families have been touched by the tragic and painful consequences of suicide and mental illness. The grief and indescribable loss these families must endure each day is heartbreaking.

This holiday season, the community is encouraged to help “lean in” to the lives of the residents at Dayspring Village by becoming a SECRET SANTA and helping give the gift of love. It is truly compassion and love that save lives. Please consider lending your hands and talents this year as the community celebrates the gift known as love, or more commonly called Christmas.