Each year, city officials from around the state participate in a charitable cause that pulls them out of their usual territories to the nearest state hospital with gifts in hand.

The Mayors’ Christmas Motorcade is a collection effort sponsored by the Georgia Municipal Association that brings in donations of clothing and essentials from the community and funnels them to a designated state-run hospital.

Rome’s Northwest Georgia Regional Hospital is the regional beneficiary.

“Many have lived in this hospital most of their lives, and have little or no contact or support from their families or friends,” said Rome City Commissioner Bill Fricks. “The hospital staff tells us that without the Mayors’ Motorcade, many patients/clients would go without any type of gift or recognition during the holidays.”

Donations in the Floyd County area can be taken to fire stations, City Hall or as Fricks said — “just call me, and we’ll come get it.” He may be contacted at 706-232-5902 or fricksbill@aol.com.

According to hospital representative Marla McDonald, the hospital houses about 240 clients, many of them mentally disabled.

“The hospital clients/patients are part of our community, drawn from all over Northwest Georgia and would like to encourage each of you to please remember them this holiday season,” Fricks said.

They deeply appreciate any simple gift or personal care item, i.e. toothpaste, cologne, shaving lotion, T-shirt, or cash donation that could be used for special or larger items like a television or DVD player for the entire ward.

Fricks also said people can make cash donations, so patients can purchase needed items, but anything from toiletries to jackets are appreciated.

Participation from throughout Northwest Georgia varies, but McDonald said last year was the best year yet for the event. Despite a lagging economy, communities sent in $10,000 in donations, she said. All checks should be made payable to the Mayors’ Motorcade.

A parade for the clients and the lighting of the Trees of Hope at the facility will take place Dec. 8. The Mayors’ Motorcade will roll in Dec. 15 and donations can be made up until the last minute, Fricks said.

Donations can also be made at Calhoun City Hall downtown and at Fairmount City Hall in Fairmount.

For more information about the Mayors’ Christmas Motorcade, visit www.gmanet.com/Motorcade.aspx.

Staff Writers John Bailey and Elizabeth Crumbly contributed to this report.