ABOVE: Bonnie Inge Bell
By coincidence, the reception for 2018’s Chesterfield-Colonial Heights Christmas Mother was the same day as her birthday, Oct. 9. Bonnie Inge Bell, whose career has been dedicated to social work, focused the attention on caring for others.
“The Christmas Mother Committee exists to ensure that, in our communities, no family is without food, no child is without toys, books and clothing, and no elder is forgotten as we celebrate the holidays,” she said. “This is a true example of local community helping local community.”
“It’s the most simple and straightforward way for a neighbor to help a neighbor,” Chesterfield County administrator Joe Casey said at the meeting, which was held at the Central Library.
Last year, approximately 4,750 people received assistance from the Christmas Mother program, which is supported through community donations and volunteers.
“There is a need because so many grandparents are raising grandchildren and cannot afford it,” said 2017 Christmas Mother Jeanne Hensel. “People are out of work and trying hard but having a hard time making ends meet.”
“There are a lot of single mothers,” said Nancy Ross of Concerned Citizens of Ettrick. “At Christmas, we should think of others, which we should do every day.”
The Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Office plays a big role in Christmas Mother program.
“This involves the children, and any time you can do something for the children, that’s what it’s all about,” police Capt. Tony Dowdy said.
“It’s a great thing they do to give to needy families who don’t have money or resources, to bring a smile to children’s faces. It’s about sharing your blessings to someone else because you don’t know what other people are going through in their time of need,” deputy B.K. Daughtry said.
Due to tornadoes last month, the Christmas Mother program is holding a special make-up day for applications for assistance on Thursday, Oct. 25. A spokesperson says it is a one-time exception for this year only due to the weather issues that occurred during the regularly scheduled application period.
Those in need can get details on the program online at cchchristmasmother.com.
The website also has information on opportunities to help as a volunteer, sponsor or through donations.
An auction will be held Nov. 17 in which one of the items up for bid is the chance to go out to lunch and have conversation with Casey.
The positivity that was palpable at the reception is clearly present in the community as well, Hensel said. “What moved me the most was going out in the community and seeing how many people are caring and want to help.”
