Christmas Mother finds the joy in helping

Serving as the 2008 Richmond Christmas Mother, Charlotte M. Minor has been inspired to help the community in other ways.

"It's been so rewarding, it really has!" said Minor, who has represented the fund for struggling families during a time of economic turmoil nationwide.

During the past several weeks, Minor has been touched by the generosity of people, from students at Henderson Middle School to donors from McGuireWoods. So touched that she hopes to work in the coming year with students at Henderson, where students and teachers donated $500 to the Christmas Mother Fund.

Minor's last official act yesterday involved cutting the ribbon at the Salvation Army Christmas Center's toy shop, where hundreds of adults shopped for special gifts to surprise youngsters with tomorrow.

Joining Minor at the ribbon-cutting were three previous Christmas Mothers: True Luck (2006), Peggy Williams Talman (2004) and Nan McVey (1997).

"I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart," Minor told about 20 volunteers.

After officially opening the toy shop, where colorful boxes were sorted according to ages, Minor escorted Sarah Adams through the center to select presents for her four daughters.

"It's a blessing to have people to help you when you're in need," Adams said.

"It's a recession, and I'm in need! I really thank the Salvation Army for giving us gifts."

With Minor's help, Adams filled her shopping cart full of coats, hats, toys and sporting equipment for her children.

At the exit, she gave the Christmas Mother an appreciative hug.

Last year, the community gave more than $325,000 to help 6,500 families, including 15,000 children.

The Richmond Christmas Mother Fund has provided needy children and families with toys, clothing, food and other assistance during the holidays since 1935. The fund was established that year by John Stewart Bryan, publisher of The Richmond News Leader, the city's afternoon newspaper.

In 1940, the Bryan family bought the Richmond Times-Dispatch, and the two newspapers merged in 1992.

The Salvation Army now administers the fund as part of its citywide Christmas programs.

Contact Robin Farmer at (804) 649-6312 or .