To the Editor:
It was such an honor and great experience to serve as the 2015 Chesterfield-Colonial Heights Christmas Mother. Serving as ambassador for this wonderful organization allowed me to speak at many civic organizations, businesses, clubs, church and youth groups. Participating in five parades and being at an elementary school where we received 365 books along with hugs from the children to share with children less fortunate has to rank high on my list of favorite experiences.
The generosity of our sponsors and donors who have contributed $216,000 to date is overwhelming. This total includes $54,000 from our auction fund raiser and $28,400 from the Martins Share-A-Meal program. We are proud to be able to say that 90-95 percent of every dollar donated goes to purchasing toys, clothes, gifts and food gift certificates for the families we assist.
The Chesterfield-Colonial Heights Christmas Mother committee believes that every child has the right to enjoy the magic of the Holiday Season and to wake up Christmas morning to find that Santa really did bring gifts and toys. We also believe that seniors who have worked hard to raise their families and now struggle to meet their basic financial needs deserve a gift and nice meal. This year, we assisted l, 616 families that included 5,381 individuals. Thank you so much to every contributor and the 388 volunteers who worked along with the committee members at the distribution center to make this possible.
Sarah M. Tatum
2015 Chesterfield-Colonial Heights Christmas Mother
