The Shadow
September 30, 2024
Dear Community Supporter,
The Christmas Mother Program is again underway, and as the 2024 Highlands Christmas Mother, I am asking that you keep this annual program in your thoughts and prayers. The program’s purpose is to help needy families, elders, and children so that they are not forgotten during the holiday season. Our wonderful community is so full of gratitude, and people have generously responded to this program each year. This year I have chosen as my theme “Love Thy Neighbor”.
If you have lived in the Alleghany Highlands over the years, there is somebody that you personally know who is in need.
Having volunteered with the Christmas Mother Program, I know how crucial you are to the success of the program. In 2023, we served 671 adults, 117 teens, and 464 children. As in previous years, we hope to provide a toy and clothing for children ages 12 and under. Teens will receive a special “teen bag.” Families will receive a gift card to purchase food for their Christmas dinner. Each family will also receive one household bag.
The Highlands Christmas Mother program is supported 100% by local contributions of time, talent, and monetary donations.
How you can love thy neighbor this holiday season:
Adopting: Church groups and individuals can adopt one or more families and provide requested items.
Volunteering: Many hands make light work! We invite you to volunteer and experience what love for thy neighbor truly means.
Donating: The program can use paper products, cleaning supplies, diapers, cleansing wipes, personal care items, children’s toys, books, clothing, school supplies, sheets, towels, blankets, and kitchen supplies. Adult clothing and shoes cannot be accepted nor stuffed animals due to children’s allergies. Please do not wrap your donations.
Contributing: Monetary donations may be mailed to the Highlands Christmas Mother, Inc., P. O. Box 242 Covington, VA 24426; dropped off at the Christmas Mother Shop at the First Christian Church 231 E Fudge Street Covington, VA or online at Highlandschristmasmother.org. The program would love the support of your schools.
First Christian Church in Covington has graciously agreed to house the Christmas Mother Shop, and the shop will be open weekdays from 9 AM to 4PM from Monday, November 18th through Friday, December 15th. We ask that all donations arrive to the church by Tuesday, December 3rd to allow time to make needed purchases before the distribution dates of December 9th through 11th. Please remember donations must be new items and used items will not be accepted.
Applications will be taken in Clifton Forge on Monday, October 14th through Tuesday, October 15th from 9am to 4pm at Central United Methodist Church, 414 Main Street Clifton Forge, VA, and on Wednesday, October 16th through Friday, October 18th at the Granbery Memorial United Methodist Church, 425 W. Main Street Covington, VA from 9am to 4pm in Covington, VA.
Thank you for allowing me to serve as your 76th Highlands Christmas Mother and for your continued, generous support of this amazing program. Together we can “Love Thy Neighbor” and help our underserved community. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
God Bless,
Ingrid W. Barber
2024 Highlands Christmas Mother
Highlands Christmas Mother, Inc. | PO Box 242 Covington, VA 24426 | 540-962-9077 highlandschristmasmother@gmail.com | highlandschristmasmother.org
Christmas Mother Information
Application Locations
Clifton Forge
Central United Methodist Church
414 Main Street
Clifton Forge, VA 24422
October 14 – 15, 2024
9:00am – 4:00pm
Covington
Granbery Memorial United
Methodist Church
425 W Main Street
Covington, VA 24426
October 16 – 18, 2024
9:00am – 4:00pm
Applicants Must Bring:
Picture ID
Social Security Cards for each household member Proof of Income (pay stub for everyone who works and lives in the household) Cards for SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, SSI/SSID
Donations
Christmas Mother Shop
First Christian Church
231 E Fudge Street
Covington, VA 24426
Monday – Friday (November 18 – December 15)
9:00am – 4:00pm
(all items must be new, used items cannot be accepted)
*Shop will be closed November 28 &29
Monetary Donations
Mail To:
Highlands Christmas Mother, Inc.
PO Box 242
Covington, VA 24426
Distribution Dates
December 9, 10, 11
First Christian Church, 231 E Fudge Street Covington, VA 24426
