Hands of Hope: 84 Years of Community, Connection, and Care
This holiday season, Hands of Hope, the Kellin Foundation’s annual gift drive, made its mark once again, bringing warmth and joy to 31 children in our community, their caregivers, and patients at Central Regional Behavioral Health Hospital. With over 500 gifts donated, the drive continued an 84-year tradition of neighbors helping neighbors during the holiday season.
The Hands of Hope Gift Drive began in 1940 as Operation Santa Claus, an initiative started by Mental Health Greensboro to bring holiday cheer to those in need. When Mental Health Greensboro and the Kellin Foundation merged in 2022, Kellin proudly took over this cherished tradition, continuing its legacy of giving and expanding its reach to serve even more individuals and families.
Among those touched by this effort was a Kellin Foundation client, a mother of three young children, who shared her heartfelt gratitude:
"I wanted to take the time to share my thoughts on the Holiday Gift Giving. I have been completely overwhelmed with emotions since I left there on Wednesday. The amount of gratitude I feel is beyond words at this time. The Kellin Foundation has been a blessing to me in many ways than one. I have been through so many things over the course of my life that I don’t know where I would be if I hadn’t been able to get services from the foundation. Thank you all from the depths of my heart. I am a firm believer that God makes no mistakes while directing paths!"
Her words capture what Hands of Hope is all about: creating moments of relief and connection during a time of year that can feel isolating or overwhelming for so many.
For some, these gifts are a bright spot during an otherwise challenging time. For others, they serve as a tangible reminder that someone cares. From toys and games for children to essentials like blankets and winter wear, every item donated carried a piece of the community’s spirit.
This year’s drive was organized by Erin Hanes, Kellin Foundation Youth Peer Support Specialist and Hands of Hope coordinator, whose dedication helped ensure the success of this beloved tradition.
A special thanks goes out to Jazzercise, Novant Health Salem Surgical Associates, High Caliber Hot Shots, Treasure Chest Ladies, John Reganess & Reganess Wealth Management Group, Joan Landreth, St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, and many other community members for their generosity and support.
To those who contributed, thank you for making this holiday brighter for so many. Hands of Hope is only possible because of the generosity of people like you—people who understand that even the smallest act of kindness can make a big difference.
As we wrap up this year’s drive, we’re reminded of the importance of community and the strength found in coming together. Thank you for being part of this tradition and helping us make this season a little more hopeful for those we serve.
Here’s to a new year filled with compassion, connection, and continued support for one another.
Kellin Foundation Holiday Schedule
Check out Kellin Foundation’s 2024/2025 Holiday schedule.
The holiday season is here, and we want to share our schedule to ensure you know when we're available.
Closed: December 23rd through December 27th.
Open: December 30th and 31st.
Closed: January 1st and 2nd, 2025.
Remote Operations: Friday, January 3rd.
We’ll resume regular in-person operations on Monday, January 6th, 2025.
We wish you a peaceful and joyful holiday season and look forward to serving our community in the new year!
Free Certification Courses: Equip Yourself to Make a Difference
The Kellin Foundation invites you to join our free certification courses designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and tools to support mental health, protect children, and create safer, stronger communities. These trainings provide practical skills for real-world challenges and are open to everyone in the community.
The Kellin Foundation invites you to join our free certification courses designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and tools to support mental health, protect children, and create safer, stronger communities. These trainings provide practical skills for real-world challenges and are open to everyone in the community.
Click the dates below to sign up for the certification courses.
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA): Learn to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health challenges.
Stewards of Children: Darkness to Light: Gain tools to prevent, recognize, and respond to child sexual abuse effectively.
Youth Mental Health First Aid (Y-MHFA): Equip yourself to support youth facing mental health or substance use challenges.
Upcoming Dates:
Thank you for taking the time to join these efforts and strengthen our shared community!
Partnering for Youth Mental Health: Kontoor Brands Foundation & Kellin Foundation
Addressing the mental health needs of our youth requires dedication, collaboration, and unwavering support. We are proud to spotlight the Kontoor Brands Foundation and their commitment to our shared vision of building resilience in Guilford County schools and across the state. Their recent 2024 Cycle I grant is bolstering initiatives like Teens Gotta Talk!, designed to equip high school students with healthy coping strategies, early warning signs awareness, and an open approach to mental health conversations.
Addressing the mental health needs of our youth requires dedication, collaboration, and unwavering support. We are proud to spotlight the Kontoor Brands Foundation and their commitment to our shared vision of building resilience in Guilford County schools and across the state. Their recent 2024 Cycle I grant is bolstering initiatives like Teens Gotta Talk!, designed to equip high school students with healthy coping strategies, early warning signs awareness, and an open approach to mental health conversations.
Kontoor’s dedication to supporting local nonprofits focused on education, food security, and housing aligns perfectly with the need to promote comprehensive wellness for the youth in our community. Their feature article shares insights into how this partnership is broadening our impact and making preventive mental health care more accessible.
We invite you to read more about this partnership and the work happening at the Kellin Foundation.
Thank you, Kontoor Brands Foundation, for standing with us and bringing hope to our community.
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Hands of Hope: Continuing a Tradition of Holiday Cheer
There’s something magical about the holiday season. It’s not just the lights or the music—it’s the way communities come together, how people reach out to lift each other up. That’s exactly what the Kellin Foundation’s Hands of Hope gift drive is all about. This tradition is a way for us all to join hands and give back in a way that truly lights up the hearts and smiles of deserving children and adults. .
In 1940 Mental Health Greensboro started Hands of Hope (originally coined “Operation Santa Claus”), and since then, this tradition has brought smiles to countless children and families, as well as patients in psychiatric care at Central Regional Hospital. This year, we’re honored to continue the tradition, ensuring that those we serve feel the warmth and generosity of our community and the joyful spirit of the holiday season.
There’s something magical about the holiday season. It’s not just the lights or the music—it’s the way communities come together, how people reach out to lift each other up. That’s exactly what the Kellin Foundation’s Hands of Hope gift drive is all about. This tradition is a way for us all to join hands and give back in a way that truly lights up the hearts and smiles of deserving children and adults. .
In 1940 Mental Health Greensboro started Hands of Hope (originally coined “Operation Santa Claus”), and since then, this tradition has brought smiles to countless children and families, as well as patients in psychiatric care at Central Regional Hospital. This year, we’re honored to continue the tradition, ensuring that those we serve feel the warmth and generosity of our community and the joyful spirit of the holiday season.
The truth is, for many of the children connected to Kellin’s services, these gifts might be the only presents they receive during the holidays. Without the kindness of people like you, their holiday mornings could look a lot different. But here’s where we, as a community, come in and make a difference. With your help, we can ensure every child and patient experiences the joy that comes from a simple, thoughtful gift.
Our wish list is filled with items that make the season brighter. We’re collecting everything from learning toys and art supplies to stuffed animals, dolls, and card games. And for the adults in our care, items like toiletries, winter gloves, and fidget toys can make a world of difference during a difficult time. Out shopping and see something you think will light up a face, we’ll gladly accept your generous gift!
If you’re moved to give, it’s easy to help. You can send donations directly from our Amazon Wishlist to:
Kellin Foundation
c/o Hands of Hope
4010 Walker Avenue
Greensboro, NC 27403
Or, if you prefer, drop off any new items at our office during business hours, Monday through Friday, until December 12th.
Every gift you give is a message that says, “You’re not alone, and we care.” It’s a small gesture with a huge impact, one that will brighten the holidays for so many kids and patients. This year, we’re aiming to make it the best Hands of Hope yet, and we know we can do it with the support of this amazing community.
For any questions, feel free to reach out to Erin Hanes at erin@kellinfoundation.org. Let’s make this season one to remember—for all the right reasons.
Thank you for being part of something truly special.
Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro Day of Service at the Kellin Foundation
October 11th was an incredible morning at the Hope Hub! We are beyond grateful to the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro for selecting the Kellin Foundation as the beneficiary of this year’s Cynthia Doyle Day of Service.
October 11th was an incredible morning at the Hope Hub! We are beyond grateful to the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro for selecting the Kellin Foundation as the beneficiary of this year’s Cynthia Doyle Day of Service. A huge thank you to the amazing volunteers who rolled up their sleeves and tackled so many tasks—sanding and painting doors, freshening up office pods, assembling furniture, planting flowers, mulching, and even lending a hand with administrative work. Your hard work and dedication truly brightened up our space and hearts. We appreciate your partnership and look forward to continuing our work together to make Greensboro greater!