Mental Health America of Alabama is kicking off their 59th annual Operation Santa campaign, which helps provide gifts for those recovering from mental illness and that may not have family to celebrate the season with. The organization hopes to provide gifts to more than 4,000 Alabamians statewide this year and will accept gifts through Dec. 9.

Jennifer Hartley, executive director of Mental Health American of Alabama-Montgomery released this statement:

"Last year, thanks to the support and active participation of local churches, schools, businesses, organizations and individuals, we were able to fill around 600 Christmas wishes in the tri-county area. This year we hope to top 700."

Those who would like to donate gifts should consider the following guidelines:

Easter Seals West Alabama will hold its annual "Walk With Me" one mile fun walk on Sunday, Oct. 30 at the Government Plaza in Tuscaloosa.

Registration begins at 2 p.m. and the walk will start at 3 p.m. Each participant in the walk will be paired with an Easter Seals Honorary Ambassador, a child or young adult who has a disability.

The $30 registration fee will help raise money for Easter Seals West Alabama, which provides speech therapy for children with disabilities and transportation to work for people who have disabilities.

Find out more from http://www.eastersealswestal.org/