Alleghany Highlands Christmas Mother

1 month ago

FINAL REPORT 2022 HIGHLANDS CHRISTMAS MOTHER, INC.

The 2022 Christmas Mother, Mary K. Asma, presented her final report recently to members of the Highlands Christmas Mother, Inc. Board of Directors.

Mary chose "Become That Someone" as her theme. She made the following statement:
"As I come to the conclusion of my tenure as the 74th Highlands Christmas Mother, I cannot begin to express how very grateful, honored, and humbled I am to have been asked to serve and guide this organization through this past Christmas season. It was an experience of love and kindness that I won’t soon forget. It is evident that you all have opened your hearts to your neighbors, becoming that someone who listens, holds hands, gives a hug, opening your hearts, and trying to help our neighbors. Thank you for the privilege of serving as the 74th Highlands Christmas Mother 2022.”

Caution continued to be exercised due to COVID-19 and the very active flu season. Although necessary, it is unfortunate, and we regret these restrictions reduced the number of volunteers allowed in the shop and limited or eliminated important aspects of the program. The program, which is focused specifically on needs during the Christmas season, involved approximately 2,000 volunteer hours.

The 2022 Christmas Mother Program received 430 applications. The extreme generosity of the community made it possible to serve 1,212 individuals: 647 adults; 432 children; and 133 teens (13-18 years of age if still in high school). The program serves residents in Covington, Clifton Forge, Iron Gate, and all of Alleghany County.

The Christmas Mother Shop returned to Christ United Methodist Church in Covington. The Board expressed its gratitude for allowing the use of this facility and to the many other churches that support the program in significant ways.

To supplement the donation of new items from our generous residents, organizations, and businesses, the program used monetary donations to purchase items for applicants as follows: food cards, $35,717.75; clothing $6,452.53; household goods, $9,277.42; teen items, $2,785.29; toys, $5,838.09. Ancillary expenses, including office expenses, postage, and telephone, amounted to $3,415.05. Every effort is made to make purchases locally including food cards.

Of the remaining balance, the Board voted to donate to the following: Christ United Methodist Church for heating and utility expenses; Alleghany Highlands Schools for their shoe and clothing fund for needy students, Kiwanis Club food drive which supports four local food pantries, and Boy’s Home for their constant cooperation helping with many tasks.

Contributions were received from businesses, churches, individuals, organizations, schools, and grants. All funds received are used to help needy residents in the Alleghany Highlands. The Christmas Mother, her volunteer staff, and members of the Board of Directors do not receive compensation for their time and talents. The program is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation.

The mission of the Christmas Mother Program is to help provide a Merry Christmas for all area applicants meeting the official poverty guidelines.

The Board expressed its sincere gratitude to Mary for an amazing job and her dedication to “Become That Someone” for all of the applicants and volunteers. ... See MoreSee Less