Henrico Christmas Mother is a volunteer, county-wide, nonprofit organization with a mission to assist families during the Christmas season by providing a shopping experience characterized by choice and dignity. The program provides assistance to Henrico families with children, seniors age 65 and older, and adults with disabilities. Children receive new toys, books, and clothing. Senior and disabled adults receive gift cards and other gift items. Everyone gets food – a box of non-perishable items donated by Henrico Public Schools students and others as well as a gift card for perishable items.
Since 1942, a Henrico Christmas Mother has been chosen from our volunteers annually to lead the public campaign. Beverly Cocke is the 2015 Henrico Christmas Mother, a lifelong county resident and member of the Henrico County School Board, representing the Brookland district.
“We are in high gear – We’re busy buying toys, processing applications, scheduling volunteers and preparing the warehouse for this year’s season of LOVE. Loving one another, caring for one another speaks to the very heart of the Henrico Christmas Mother program,” says Cocke.
Upcoming events include:
Dec. 4 – Innsbazaar at Innsbrook
Dec. 5 – Dominion Christmas Parade
Dec. 5 – The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen’s “ Festival of Trees ” illumination
Dec. 6 – “Holiday on the Hill” at the Clarke-Palmore House
Dec. 6 – “Holly Ball” at the Junior Assembly Cotillion
Dec. 12- Varina Big Toy Christmas Parade
Dec. 19 – Regency Square Mall – Children’s Winter Party (collecting new children’s books for HCM)
Cocke will also attend dozens of school assemblies, churches, civic groups, and even the Richmond Square Dance Club in the next month. “Sharing the love of the holiday season as Henrico Christmas Mother is certainly a lot of fun. But I am mindful of the tremendous responsibility to ensure our less fortunate neighbors are able to share in the excitement and joy of the season,” says Cocke.
Does Henrico County need help from the Christmas Mother?
• 11% of Henrico citizens live below the poverty line
• 18% of Henrico citizens are on public assistance
• 40% of HCPS students qualify for free/reduced price lunch
In addition to cash, gifts that are always needed include:
• New books for all ages, especially board books for ages 0-3
• Bike helmets, hats and gloves, especially larger sizes for older teens
• Socks – all sizes
• Cereal, peanut butter, and crackers for food boxes
Connect with the Christmas Mother:
Website: www.HenricoChristmasMother.org
Facebook: Henrico Christmas Mother, please “LIKE” us on Facebook
Twitter: @henricocm
