Christmas Mother’s “80 Years–80 Ways” Program Marks Eighty Years of Philanthropy
Looking to spread a little holiday cheer this December? Consider supporting the 2014 Richmond Christmas Mother Fund, an effort to raise money for local nonprofits during the holiday season.
Since 1934, the Richmond Christmas Mother project has raised more than $7 million for the local community. This year’s Christmas Mother is Maya Smart – writer, mother, and as the wife of VCU men’s basketball coach Shaka Smart, she also serves as team mom for the Rams.
To recognize The Christmas Mother Fund’s eightieth anniversary, the 80 Years-80 Ways initiative was launched through a partnership with The Community Foundation, which will award eighty grants to local nonprofit for Christmas-related programs and services.
“The Richmond Christmas Mother campaign is an important away to make sure everyone among us has a warm and bright holiday,” said Smart. “Donations stay in our community and help connect vulnerable Richmonders with warm meals and clothes, along with books and toys during November and December.”
The 80 Years-80 Ways initiative supports a variety of organizations. For example, Meals on Wheels is using their grant to provide home delivered holiday meals to 800 homebound seniors and disabled adults.
Communities in Schools is providing pantry-stable food for children who typically rely on school meals during the holiday break with their grant. The Fund is also continuing its long-standing collaboration with the Salvation Army.
People can donate at Christmas Mother or by sending a check: to 300 East Franklin Street, Richmond, Va. 23219, Attn: Christmas Mother. Checks should be made out to the Richmond Christmas Mother. The fundraising campaign is managed by the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
For updates on the campaign, follow Maya Smart on Twitter at @MayaSmart, or click on Christmas Mother when you visit Maya’s blog.
