Carolyn Thompson named the 2008 Chesterfield-Colonial Heights Christmas Mother

Since the Chesterfield-Colonial Heights Christmas Mother Committee formed in 1972, 27 committee members have been chosen as the Christmas Mother. This year, The 28th Christmas Mother, Carolyn Thompson, is also the first Colonial Heights resident to serve as Christmas Mother. On Tuesday, Oct. 14, with many of the former Christmas Mothers among the guests honoring Carolyn, a reception was held at Magnolia Grange in Chesterfield.

Carolyn has always had a deep commitment to children and the elderly. She is a former teacher and, as a member of the Christmas Mother Committee, she ensures that the residents in need in our nursing homes are remembered during the holidays.

Carolyn’s concern for others is shown in her other community endeavors. In addition to her work with the Christmas Mother program, she is a member of the Colonial Heights Federated Woman’s Club, the Treble Notes singing group, the Colonial Heights Juvenile and Domestic Violence Task Force, and the District 19 Community Services Board. She is a volunteer with Junior Achievement and Southside Regional Medical Center.

Carolyn has a bachelor’s degree in early childhood and elementary education from the University of Northern Iowa. She has taught both in Iowa and Virginia.

Carolyn and her husband, John, are 34-year residents of Colonial Heights. They have three adult children, Bradley, Jennifer, and Heather, and four grandchildren.

In her holiday letter, Carolyn asks the community to share with those in need. She will be talking with many organizations and the media to enlist support. She will be asking for sponsors to provide new toys, clothing, and food for families in need; for individual donations of food and monetary contributions; and for volunteers to work at the Christmas Center, which is located at the Chesterfield Fairgrounds.

If you wish to invite Carolyn to speak to your organization or business, are interested in volunteering, or would like further information about the program, you may call the Christmas Mother office at (804) 751-4657 weekdays between 8:30 am and 5 pm.

Contributions may be sent payable to the Chesterfield-Colonial Heights Christmas Mother, P.O. Box 2500, Chesterfield, VA 23832.

The Chesterfield-Colonial Heights Christmas Mother is a 501(c)3 non-profit charitable organization.

A letter from 2008 Chesterfield-Colonial Heights Christmas Mother Carolyn Thompson:

Dear Friends,
Christmas is Sharing with our Neighbors!

In her story “Christmas is Sharing,” Colonial Heights resident Mary Anna Martin tells how her family made Christmas special for a neighbor in need during the [Great] Depression. Three boxes containing toys, clothing and food were prepared and delivered on Christmas Eve. Much has changed in the past decades but caring and sharing are still the same today. As you 2008 Christmas Mother, I am honored to represent a program that enables two neighboring communities to exemplify the holiday spirit by sharing with those in need.

2008 Christmas Mother Carolyn Thompson

For 62 years the Chesterfield-Colonial Heights Christmas Mother program has made sure local children and elderly residents can celebrate the holidays with gifts and food. Volunteers work during the year collecting donations, purchasing food, clothing, toys and books. In 2007, we assisted 1,706 families consisting of 5,331 individuals. This is truly the picture of neighbors sharing in the true holiday spirit.

While the committee of dedicated volunteers coordinates the Christmas Mother program, it is only with the help of individuals, businesses, churches, civic groups and schools in the community that makes the joy of the holiday season possible for so many children and elderly in the Chesterfield-Colonial Heights area. Please consider supporting our program in the following weays:

*Sponsor an entire family or elderly person by providing food and gifts for Christmas.

*Donate food and/or gifts for children, teenagers and the elderly.

*Contribute a monetary donation that will be used to purchase toys, food and clothing for families that area not sponsored. Ask your employer to consider making a matching donation.

*Volunteer your time at the Christmas Center. The center is open Dec. 2 through Dec. 15 from 8:30 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday.

Please contact the office at (804) 748-1183 or (804) 751-4657 beginning Oct. 1 to sponsor a family. Donations may be mailed to the Chesterfield-Colonial Heights Christmas Mother at PO Box 2500, Chesterfield, VA 23832.

It is through the generosity and kindness of those in the community that makes the Christmas Mother program a success. We appreciate your support and wish you a most wonderful holiday season.