The Shadow
HOT SPRINGS, Va. (VR) – Trish Foutz has been named Bath County Christmas Mother for 2025. She will oversee this year’s Christmas Mother Program working along with a team of dedicated and committed volunteers who have made this program successful year after year.
The Christmas Mother Program is a volunteer organization which was first organized in 1992.
There are many individuals and 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.
The program prioritizes applicants’ needs and relies solely on donations from individuals, businesses, schools, county agencies, civic and church organizations, and friends near and far.
Trish was born in Hot Springs and currently lives just a couple of miles from where she was raised in Warm Springs. She loves Bath County and the people who live here. Trish and her husband, Len, together have four grown children: Eric (and May) Pritt, Zach (and Courtney) Pritt, Amanda (and Chad) Baldwin, Zachary (and Heather) Foutz. They have been given nine beautiful grandchildren; their families all live in the Roanoke area.
Trish is blessed to be employed with Coles Mountain Building LLC and RRW Engineering LLC, as the Office Manager/Executive Assistant for both. “I am honored and humbled to be chosen for the role of Christmas Mother for 2025. Growing up as the youngest of seven in a household where money was tight, I can remember the concern on my parents’ faces during the winter months wondering how they were going to make ends meet. I am proud of the way I was raised, and I can certainly understand the needs of others, especially during this time of year. I am also reminded of the love our family shared and the struggles our parents endured to provide for us. I realize everything I have been given and all the blessings I have received come
from God, who has placed wonderful people in my path!”
Trish has been a member of Virginia Chapel church throughout her life and has served in the church as a Sunday School teacher, Youth Leader, and currently serves as a Lay Speaker in the Church, which she has attended for over 50 years. “Our church, like this community, is a family and we come together to help each other when times are hard and share in the joys with love and gladness.”
“My theme for this year is ‘The Gifts of Service.’ I have chosen this theme because, even though I have not been an integral part of the Christmas Mother Program in the past, I have witnessed the outpouring of love, kindness, and service this program has provided to those of the community in need. Jesus said in Matthew 20:28, ‘the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.’ In serving others, we are emulating Jesus and honoring His teachings. When we reach out to others in need, we are loving others as Jesus loved us, as He directed in John 13:34.”
“I am excited to be serving as this year’s Christmas Mother and to be part of the greater good, spending energy to focus on the needs of others during a time when financial burdens can become extremely difficult. Knowing that with the help and support of the amazing volunteers and the generosity of the many donors in the Bath Community and beyond, we can help ease those burdens and honor ‘The Gifts of Service’.”
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 to make a donation, please contact Trish. You may contact her by email at bathchristmasmother@gmail.com or by phone at 540-958-8969. Please send monetary donations to: Christmas Mother P.O. Box 292, Hot Springs, VA 24445.
The Christmas Mother Shop will be set up in the Life Line Ministries gym Monday through Friday beginning the week of December 1-5 and again the following week: Monday through Thursday, December 8-11.
If accepted by the Program, all items will be distributed to participants on Friday, December 12, 2025, beginning at 9am. Food Baskets and gifts will also be distributed from the gym. No items will be distributed before 9am.
Beginning December 1, the Christmas Shop number will be 540-839-6624.
Each year, many volunteers, including past Christmas Mothers, work with the Christmas Mother to ensure the success of this huge undertaking. The Christmas Mother Committee Members for 2025 are as follows:
Lori Rowsey and Hannah Woodzell, Co-Shop Managers
Linda Vinson, Data Entry
Pamela Webb, Treasurer
Sharon Madison, Millboro – Shopping Coordinator
Beth Neff, Hot Springs – Shopping Coordinator
Linda Pound, Wrapping Coordinator
Trudy Woodzell, Food Basket Coordinator
Erica Doyle, Lunch Coordinator
Heather Woodzell, Fuel Distribution Coordinator
Additional volunteers will be needed to coordinate and shop for recipients who have not been adopted and to help wrap gifts. Trish notes, “We also need daily lunches to serve at 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, email, or text me.”
Trish would like to extend her sincere thanks and appreciation to Life Line Ministries Church for their gracious support in housing the food pantry and the Christmas Mother program again this year, as well as to all the previous Christmas Mothers who have welcomed her into the program with their love and support.
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 call or text Trish at 540-958-8969.
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 in 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. 6 – 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Life Line Ministries Fellowship Hall
Tuesday, Oct. 7 – 3:30PM to 6:30 PM at Woodland Union Church
Monday, Oct. 13 – 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Life Line Ministries Fellowship Hall
Tuesday, Oct. 14 – 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Life Line Ministries Fellowship Hall
Thursday, Oct. 16 – 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM at the Millboro Rescue Squad Building
Those applying for fuel assistance (if funds are available) should bring their fuel information and must have their account number. All information concerning applicants will remain strictly confidential.
Past Bath County Christmas Mothers include: Tammy Lindsay, 2024, Jackie Baughan, 2023; Lori Rowsey, 2022; 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.
