Sanitation Santa Program
Sanitation Santa History
Sanitation Santa started in 1982 when Public Works employee Junior Gardner began handing out loose candy to children while he made stops along his daily trash collection route. After the first few years, people started to refer to him as "Sanitation Santa." Many of our employees and the community began giving to Sanitation Santa and the program evolved into one that has helped thousands of people in the last 29 years by distributing toys to children in need. There have been many local businesses who have donated to the program that has helped to increase the amount of items that are given locally each year. We appreciate each and every person that has helped to make this program such a success.
Stuff the Truck at Walmart This event is in early December. Those visiting Walmart can purchase a toy to place in Santa's sleigh to help those families in need during the holidays. The Maryville Engineering & Public Works Department oversees the Sanitation Santa program (273-3302). The items needed are:
Annual Christmas Dinner is held at Maryville High School at 6 p.m. on December 1st. The dinner serves those less fortunate in our community and even Santa shows up for a while!
Toy Distribution. Toys and gift distribution is for children up to 15 years old. Distribution takes place in the back stage area of the Theater in the Park. Participants must have some form of indentification for each child (SS# or birth certificate) plus proof of residence and proof of guardianship.
Stuff the Truck at Walmart This event is in early December. Those visiting Walmart can purchase a toy to place in Santa's sleigh to help those families in need during the holidays. The Maryville Engineering & Public Works Department oversees the Sanitation Santa program (273-3302). The items needed are:
- Toys for smaller children as well as bikes, fishing poles, sports equipment. There is a great need for items that are geared to middle school and high school aged girls and boys.
- Toys and other items can be used but must be clean and in working order when they get to us.
- Nothing needs to be gift wrapped and can be dropped off at the Maryville Municipal Center, 400 West Broadway Avenue or at our Operations Center, 332 Home Avenue year round.
- We do not distribute food items, but the Empty Pantry Fund is alway in need of those non perishable products.
Annual Christmas Dinner is held at Maryville High School at 6 p.m. on December 1st. The dinner serves those less fortunate in our community and even Santa shows up for a while!
Toy Distribution. Toys and gift distribution is for children up to 15 years old. Distribution takes place in the back stage area of the Theater in the Park. Participants must have some form of indentification for each child (SS# or birth certificate) plus proof of residence and proof of guardianship.
