Richmond Christmas Mother Fund grants over $110,000 to nonprofit groups

This year marks the 90th season of the Richmond Christmas Mother Fund, a program that helps bring Christmas to underprivileged families in the city of Richmond.

Sponsored by the Richmond Times-Dispatch, the program has provided resources for families in need during the holiday season since 1935.

Last year, the program collected more than $358,008.06 in donations.

“This year, we are thrilled to distribute over $114,000 in grants to support local nonprofits in bringing joy and hope to individuals and families during the holiday season,” said Kelly Till, president of The Times-Dispatch. “The Richmond Christmas Mother embodies the enduring spirit of community generosity.”

This year’s Richmond Christmas Mother is Dr. Lydia Jones Johnson. She is the face of the initiative for the holiday season to increase awareness of the fund and the various organizations that will benefit from it.

Annually, the program supports Richmond-area nonprofits by providing grants, which typically range between $1,000 and $5,000. The funding gives nonprofits extra resources to distribute household items, toys and other services to underprivileged families.

The grant will help Crossover Healthcare Ministries continue to provide health care to uninsured and underinsured people and families in the Greater Richmond area.

“We are incredibly grateful for the support of the Christmas Mother,” said Jackie Griggs, director of communications at Crossover Healthcare Ministries. “We have 75 different families who are going to be receiving support in the form of gift cards to help make sure that they have a special holiday season, and the Christmas Mother grant that we received is going toward that program.”

St. Joseph’s Villa is the longest-serving nonprofit for children in the U.S., providing specialized education, mental and behavioral health services as well as housing and homeless services for more than 3,000 individuals each year across central Virginia. This grant will be a boost for its Season of Hope program.

“Each year, with support from community donors and volunteers, our Season of Hope program provides food, winter clothing and gifts for Villa children and families in need. We anticipate serving about 500 individuals through the program this year,” said Drew Melson, director of marketing. “Funds from the Christmas Mother make a significant difference in what we are able to provide and will be used to purchase new winter coats. We are deeply grateful for this gift.”

Peter Paul provides a range of programs to help empower the East End community. This grant will help provide support for 100 families.

“Peter Paul RVA is thrilled to be one of this year’s Richmond Christmas Mother grant recipients,” said Megan Miller, director of philanthropy. “Through this program, all 100 of our families will receive a $100 gift card to Walmart or Target, enabling them to shop for their children during the holiday season.”