The November talent show at Dallas Theatre and donations by Paulding residents will brighten the lives of the 3,200 Georgians living in mental health hospitals.

The talent show netted $1,006, and gifts are still being collected at Dallas and Hiram city halls for the 51st Mayors’ Motorcade. Dallas Mayor Boyd Austin plans to be among municipal officials delivering gifts to the Rome hospital Dec. 15.

“We tend to focus on children at Christmas, but these are adults for the most part who are institutionalized,” said Austin. “They might not see family or have visitors at all. Most are stuck away there. They might have outlived their families or be wards of the state. If not for the motorcade, they may not get a gift at all.”

“As the year comes to a close and we reflect not only on the challenges we’ve faced, but also on the many blessings we have received, let us not forget those who are much less fortunate than most,” said Hiram Mayor Carmen Rollins. “Some of these are the patients at our state regional hospitals.

“I hope that our Paulding County community will come together in whatever way they can to help us remember the patients at the Northwest Georgia Regional Hospital in Rome. The Mayors’ Motorcade is an annual event that brings some much needed joy into the lives of patients suffering with mental health or developmental disabilities. A simple gift such as a scarf or pair of socks can make all the difference in the world to these people.

“Please join us, along with the city of Dallas, to make this Christmas season a little brighter for them.”

Gifts are being accepted at Dallas City Hall from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays through Monday and Dallas Theatre from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Gifts can also be taken to Hiram City Hall between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. through Monday.

The gift wish list includes: board games, cards, T-shirts, baseball caps, watches, top 40 CDs, wallets, toothpaste, toothbrushes, hairbrushes, cosmetics, shaving lotion, deodorant, body lotion, stationery, pens/pencils, tote bags, cookies/snacks, movies (PG or G rated only), hair accessories, pajamas, nightgowns, bathrobes, socks, underwear, bedroom slippers, tennis shoes, hats, sweatshirts and pants (all clothing should be new, both men’s and women’s accepted, sizes medium through extra large).