New Kent - Service Clubs

Service clubs

New Kent County hasn't had a Christmas mother for the past 10 years, but it does have a Christmas mother program.

Members of the Bottom of the Bridge and the Shore to Shore LaSertoma International service clubs join forces every year to help New Kent families in need. Each club has about 15 members, who collectively consider themselves Christmas mothers, said Carol Witherspoon, program co-chairwoman.

The program collects new clothing, toys and other gifts and raises money to purchase grocery-store gift certificates. Last year, the New Kent Christmas Mother program received more than $6,600 and helped about 80 families, said co-chairwoman Jill Cruz.

Organizations, businesses and individuals may also sponsor families or individual children, whose information can be found on Christmas trees at Citizen & Farmers Bank locations in New Kent.

To help, mail donations to New Kent Christmas Mother, P.O. Box 212 Quinton, VA 23141, or call (804) 966-9209. The deadline for requesting assistance was Nov. 1.

-- Melodie N. Martin