The Shadow
Hot Springs, Va. (VR) – Lori Rowsey has been named Bath County Christmas Mother for 2022. She will oversee the 31st year of the Christmas Mother Program along with dedicated and committed volunteers who have made the program successful year after year.
The program is a volunteer organization that prioritizes applicants’ needs and relies solely on donations from individuals, businesses, schools, county agencies, civic and church organizations, and friends near and far. There are many families in Bath County who live on limited incomes and face hardships especially during the winter season. The purpose of the Christmas Mother program is to serve these individuals and families by providing them with food, clothing, Christmas gifts for children and senior citizens, and depending on available funds, fuel assistance in January.
Rowsey is a Virginia native and is a graduate of James Madison University. She is married to Allen Rowsey and they have one daughter, Lilah. Growing up as a preacher’s kid, Rowsey has lived all throughout Virginia and is happy to call Bath County home.
Rowsey is a professional pianist at the Omni Homestead Resort. She enjoys making connections with people and being an ambassador for Bath County through music. She has been playing at the Homestead since 2017. Rowsey also joined the staff at Life Line Ministries as the Worship Leader in 2017. She loves her community and invests her time in outreach ministry. She is an active volunteer for church children’s programs, leads the community 4-H Homeschool chapter, and loves to attend Women’s Bible study. Prior to moving to Bath County, Rowsey spent nearly twenty years as Director of Bands for many award-winning high school band programs in Virginia, South Carolina, and Texas. She taught in both public and private school systems and has been a National Board Certified Teacher since 2007.
“My theme for this year is ‘Thirty-one Years of Christmas Cheer.’ This program was started in 1992 to help our community and I really want to show respect to the many people along the way who have made such an impact in Bath County. We can’t do any of this on our own- we have a great need in our community, but we have even greater strength when we stand together. I can’t think of anything that gives lasting joy more than being the hands and feet of Christ. That’s what Christmas is all about- Jesus came to Earth to meet our greatest need: a Savior. We have been deeply blessed, now it’s time to bless others!”
Last year, Lori was the shop manager for the Christmas Mother program. She was responsible for ensuring all participants were shopped for and all items were correctly boxed for each family. She was responsible for the organization of incoming items and making sure no one was overlooked. She also volunteered as a shopper for participants. “I was touched by the sheer amount of needs listed. Socks, shoes, a coat, a pair of jeans- these were the kinds of things listed for children. Necessities, not wants. It was humbling. It caused me to reflect on the goodness of God and how we can help others. There’s no joy like the joy that comes from helping others. It’s a great honor to serve as this year’s Christmas Mother, to be adopted as one of Bath County’s own. Bath County is an amazing place filled with amazing people and we are so glad to be a part.”
TO SUPPORT THE PROGRAM
All monetary gifts, whether large or small, are greatly appreciated because financial support is an absolute necessity. Those wishing to adopt a family or an individual or make a donation, please contact Mrs. Rowsey. You may contact her by email at bathchristmasmother@gmail.com or by phone at 540-440-1066. Please send monetary donations to: Christmas Mother P.O. Box 292, Hot Springs, VA 24445.
The Christmas Mother Shop will be held in the Life Line Ministries gym Monday through Friday beginning the week of December 5- 9 and again the following week: Monday through Thursday, December 12- 15. All items will be distributed on Friday, December 16, 2022 beginning at 9am. Food Baskets will be distributed from the church parking lot and gifts will be distributed from the gym. No items will be distributed before 9am.
Beginning December 5, the Christmas Shop number will be 540-839-6624.
Each year, many volunteers work with the Christmas Mother to ensure the success of this huge undertaking. Volunteers also include our past Christmas Mothers. The Christmas Mother Committee Members for 2022 are as follows:
Amanda Cauley, Shop Manager
Linda Vinson, Data Entry
Pamela Webb, Treasurer
Beth Neff, Shopping Coordinator
Linda Pound, Wrapping Coordinator
Trudy Woodzell, Food Basket Coordinator
Erica Doyle, Lunch Coordinator
Additionally, we will need volunteers to coordinate and shop for recipients who have not been adopted and help wrapping gifts. “We also need lunches prepared for the Christmas Mother Shop for the volunteers who spend many hours each day preparing for Distribution Day. If you would like to sign up for any of these important tasks, please call or email me.”
Mrs. Rowsey would like to extend her sincere thanks and appreciation to Pastor Zach Royer and Life Line Ministries Church for their gracious support in housing the Food Pantry and giving the Christmas Mother program a home this year.
How to Apply for Christmas Mother Services
Those seeking assistance from The Bath County Christmas Mother Program must fill out an application and be interviewed in order to be considered for services. Past recipients will receive an application by mail. New applicants can request a copy of the application via email or find one on the Bath County Christmas Mother Facebook page.
Applicants must bring their Medicaid card, Food Stamps and/or TANF cards, as well as a current pay stub or tax return when they apply. More detailed information is outlined on the application form. Applicants will be notified by mail if they are approved for services.
Applications and interviews will be taken on the following dates:
Monday, Oct. 3; 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Life Line Ministries Fellowship Hall
Thursday, Oct. 6; 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Life Line Ministries Fellowship Hall
Monday, Oct. 10; 3:30PM to 6:30 PM at Woodland Union Church
Wednesday, Oct. 12; 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM at Life Line Ministries Fellowship Hall
No applications will be accepted after October 12.
Those applying for fuel assistance (if funds are available) should bring their fuel account information and must have their account number. All information concerning applicants will remain strictly confidential.
Past Bath County Christmas Mothers include: Missy Ailstock, 2021; Cherie Beale, 2020; Beth Neff, 2019; Karen Williams, 2018; Linda Altizer, 2017; Lynn Pistell, 2016; Lynn Ellen Black, 2015; Linda Criser, 2014; Darlene Carpenter, 2013; Kim Brown, 2012; Angie Keyser, 2011; Becky White, 2010; Helen Smith, 2009; Marty Reese, 2008; Trudy Woodzell, 2007; Marion Kober, 2006; Sarah Redington, 2005; Kelly Rosenberg, 2004; Susan Bailey, 2003; Holly Wisehart, 2002; Ann Warner, 2001; Kathie Schwend, 2000; Mary Hodges, 1999; Virginia Nowlin, 1998; Jane Lyle, 1997; Chris Stinespring, 1996; Betty Sue Eye, 1995; Linda Westenburger, 1994; and Pat Lucas (founder), 1993 and 1992.
