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 27 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.

How to Donate Items to the Program

  The Maryville Engineering & Public Works Department oversees the Sanitation Santa program (273-3302). The items that we need 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 beginning December 1, 2009 at the Maryville Municipal Center, 400 West Broadway Avenue or at our Operations Center, 332 Home Avenue year round.
• If you have large items, we can arrange to pick them up; just call 273-3302.
• The Sanitation Santa program also accepts gently used, clean clothing in good condition ready to wear.
•   We do not distribute food items, but the Empty Pantry Fund is alway in need of those non perishable products.

Annual Sanitation Santa Dinner

Each year the program also holds a dinner cooked by the Maryville High School staff and served by City officials and employees.  Sanitation Santa makes a visit after dinner to visit with all the children and distribute gifts.  This year's dinner will be held at the High School cafeteria on December 15th at 6 p.m.  If you know a family in need, call the Blount County Health and Human Services Department to sign up or for more information.  The phone number is 981-2350.