Donations to the Richmond Christmas Mother Fund reached an all-time high, with a final tally of $338,912.92 this year, thanks to a slightly improving economy and an energetic campaign. The previous record was $325,944.98 donated in 2007. “There aren’t that many things that are setting all-time highs right now,“ said Robert L. Thalhimer, senior vice president for advancement at The Community Foundation, a philanthropic group that manages endowments and encourages other giving programs.

Afather of two sons who had been living out of his car is hoping to give his boys a special Christmas. When the father lost his job recently, he was evicted from his apartment and forced to live in his car. Recently, a friend came to his rescue and took him in, and since then, he has been looking for work. “My boys mean everything to me, and I would do anything for them,“ he writes. “I don’t need anything for me, but I would appreciate anything that they could receive.“

Amother whose daughter is incarcerated is hoping for help to give her grandchildren a good Christmas. She is caring for her daughter’s children, ages 6 and 2, while her daughter serves her sentence. Her 6-year-old grandson is a straight-A student “and a caring little boy who wants to be a football player or a basketball player.“ Her 2-year-old granddaughter is a quick learner who has been walking since she was 9 months old and is “a bright little girl who will ask you a million questions.“

Asingle mother who recently lost her job is worried that she won’t be able to give her teenage sons any gifts for Christmas this year. Her boys, ages 15 and 16, don’t understand why she can’t afford to buy presents, she said. Right now, the only income she has coming in is from child support payments, which helps pay her bills but doesn’t leave any extra for Christmas.

A30-year-old single mother of three works full time, but she can’t make ends meet because her children’s father doesn’t help with bills. “After paying for food, child care and housing this year, I won’t have anything left to give them a Christmas,“ she writes of her three sons. “I work full time and don’t qualify for any type of public assistance,“ she added.

A22-year-old mother of a toddler is worried that she won’t be able to give her daughter a Christmas this year. She writes that she only makes about $20 a day in tips at her job, and “I don’t see us having a Christmas at all due to my income.“ Her daughter is 22 months old. “All I want is my little girl to open her eyes and be surprised on Christmas morning,“ she said.

Awoman taking care of three great-grandchildren and two grandchildren asks for help in providing a happy Christmas in her home. She writes that she and her husband, who is retired, barely have enough money to pay for health care, utilities and other essentials. The great-grandchildren are staying with her because their mother recently lost the place where she was staying. Her eldest grandson, who excels in school, lost his mother Nov. 2.

Without the benefit of regular child-support payments, the single mother of a 7-year-old struggles to make ends meet. A court hearing with the father about the support payments isn’t until February. She has had to file bankruptcy to keep her car, and she writes that she’s falling behind on her financial responsibilities, including paying for day care. She bought some Christmas gifts on layaway but fears she might not be able to keep up with the payments.

Amother and daughter experiencing Richmond’s Christmas traditions for the first time received an added surprise—a personal introduction to this year’s Christmas Mother, Alice Goodwin. Jean and Susan Kraft made their weekend-long stay in Virginia’s capital a memorable one when they met Goodwin yesterday at the Richmond Valentine History Center during the 23rd annual Court End Christmas.

Awoman eight months pregnant who recently lost her job is asking for assistance. Living on a limited income with three children and one due soon is stressful. “My children are asking for Christmas gifts and I have no way to provide them with gifts at this moment, but they don’t understand this.“ “If you could please help my children have a Christmas this year, I would really appreciate it. Because I know I cannot.“

Residents of The Virginia Home have many needs of their own, but that didn’t keep them from supporting longtime board member Alice Goodwin in the Richmond Christmas Mother campaign.Yesterday they invited her to visit as they made no-sew fringed fleece blankets for Project Linus to distribute to children who are ill or traumatized.Barbara Parker, one of home’s 130 profoundly disabled residents, said the project brought back memories of things she’s made for The Salvation Army. “I’ve done that all my life,“ she said.“It’s just natural for you to give back,“ Goodwin said. “It does so much good. We can do this and help somebody. . . . Think of the little child that’s going to have this on their bed in the hospital. It’ll keep them warm.“Staff and board members of The Virginia Home also collected $1,500 to donate to The Richmond Christmas Mother Fund.Goodwin called many of the residents by name as she made a brief tour of the first floor to see Christmas decorations in the lobby and Christmas cards created in an earlier session with Art on Wheels. At the indoor pool, she noticed banners for the annual Aquathon swim, through which residents have raised pledges of nearly $50,000 for national and local nonprofits in 10 years. This year’s swim tomorrow and Friday will benefit the American Cancer Society.As she prepared to leave, she met resident Chris Payton in the lobby. “I know who you are,“ he said. “You’re the Christmas Mother.“When Goodwin asked how he knew, he had a quick reply:“Word gets around, baby.“






In memory of our son-in-lawDavid C. Moore and inhonor of our children Beverly,Anne, John and Nicolefrom Margaret and John Byrd————————————-$ 75.00
In memory of my mother,Carole Harrington Cooley,who entered Heaven onThanksgiving Day 2009from Sara James————————————-100.00
In honor of Emily andand in memory ofKeith Mumford with lovefrom the Italy Group————————————-200.00
Angela D. Martin————————————-25.00
In memory ofAnn McKenney Hamner————————————-200.00
Anonymous————————————-100.00
In memory of Richard D. Obenshainfrom Bradley Brent Cavedo————————————-100.00
In honor of Carly, Audrey,Chloe, Caroline, Reid, Elliottand Andrew fromGrandma and Grandpa————————————-50.00
In honor of Alice GoodwinfromNancy and Whitey Lipscomb————————————-100.00


In honor of Alice Goodwinfrom Anne and Lew————————————-100.00
In memory of my Godfathers—Briscoe B. Guy and Jack H. Wyattfrom Coley Rice————————————-100.00
In honor of Alicia from Bevvy,in honor of Oliver, Annie and Henry,in memory of Mema and Dada————————————-200.00
The Wedd Family————————————-100.00
In honor ofThe Christmas Motherfrom Corell and Thurston Moore————————————-100.00
In loving memory of my sisterAugusta Lawingby Bunny Saine————————————-100.00
The Golden Girls @ Cedarfield————————————-175.00
In memory of William F. Bennettfrom your 5 great-grandchildren————————————-100.00
Anonymous————————————-50.00
In honor of:Ray & Jeanette Blaylockfrom Susan and Bill Blaylock————————————-35.00
In memory ofElaine McDearmon Spencer————————————-250.00
In memory ofMary McDearmon Sears————————————-250.00
In memory of Johanna Prumos
and Mae Rothenbergerfrom James & Melissa Nolan————————————-100.00
In loving memory ofDeLancey and Candy, andin honor of Ted, Celia, Isabeland Taylor————————————-100.00
David M. Winecoff————————————-50.00
Marshall F. Wilkins————————————-25.00
In honor of Dabney, Weezie,Beverly, Anne, Donna, Vickie,Kay, Sarah, Marian and Patsy.and in memory ofAnne Rawles HuskeLove, Marty————————————-50.00
In honor of Alice GoodwinfromThomas and Nancy Chewning————————————-500.00
Anonymous————————————-50.00
In memory of Mabel Brandon,Mae Belle Staggs————————————-100.00
Gray and Ann Key————————————-25.00
In memory ofMargaret & Bill Mearsfrom Pat & Will Dvorak————————————-100.00
In grateful recognition ofAl Groh’s many contributionsto Hokie football dominance.Thanks for memories Al!————————————-42.13
In memory ofArlington and Ethel Hayes,Carolyn Stone andJames and Carrie Joynerfrom Ann and Charlie————————————-100.00
In memory ofSue Sneed Flemingand J. Edward Rountrey————————————-100.00
In memory ofGus and Rae Della Pietrafrom Dr. and Mrs. D.A. Sica————————————-100.00
In loving memory of our nephew,Joseph W. McCarthy Jr.alsoin loving memory of our parents,Mr. & Mrs. Joseph W. McCarthy,Mr. & Mrs. Warren M. Goddardfrom: Ann & Warren Goddard————————————-100.00
In loving memory of our parentsTom and Della Ellett,Walter and Helen Rice fromDavid and Susanna (Sass) Ellett————————————-100.00
Gerald and Emily Moody————————————-100.00
In honor of Alice Goodwinfrom Maureen Massey————————————-250.00
In memory of: Denise Monetteand Denise Rueben————————————-50.00
Mr. and Mrs. Irvin Chasen————————————-200.00
In loving memory of my husband,Harry Frazier III, Nancy————————————-100.00
In memory of Whitman B. Wiattfrom his parents————————————-100.00
In memory ofour beloved son, Rick fromMr. and Mrs. Richard D. Harrison————————————-150.00
In memory of loved onesfrom Olive H. Griffin————————————-50.00
In honor ofAnita B. Cumminsfrom Brownie Cummins————————————-20.00
In honor of Alice Goodwin—the Price Family————————————-100.00
In honor of ourDear Christmas Mother,Alice Goodwinfrom Drs. Jane & Percy Wooton————————————-200.00
Julie Fox————————————-25.00
In memory of Harold L. Cole Sr.from the Cole Family————————————-100.00
In honor of my wonderful familyand in loving memory ofJames S. Evans, my husband,from Mrs. Beatrice Ware Evans————————————-500.00
H. Harvey and Joan E. Rowan————————————-100.00
Tri Club Woman’s Club————————————-89.00
In honor of Alice Goodwinin memory of our parents and Robbiefrom Ann & Boonie Showalter————————————-100.00
In honor of Alice Goodwinand the good cause she leadsfrom Geline B. Williams————————————-100.00
In honor of Gabby, love,Rand, Spotty & Berkeley————————————-100.00
In memory of Anselfrom Alvin and Margaret Pitts————————————-50.00
In honor of Alice Goodwinfrom Kay and Jim Lowe————————————-200.00
In memory of:Hut Sut andHose Nose fromHound Dog————————————-50.00
In loving memory of our brothers:Mosby, Lewis, Clow and Jimmieand our son: Ranny B.Polly and Ranny Cardozo————————————-100.00
In honor of Alice Goodwinand all who volunteer to makeour community a better placeAlex and Fran————————————-100.00
Charles and Josephine Richardson————————————-100.00
To honor our 4 children,3 children-in-law, 12 grandchildrenand 3 7/9 great granddaughtersJoe and Jean McKeel————————————-200.00


TODAY’S TOTAL————————————- $7,386.13
PREVIOUSLY REPORTED————————————-$99,523.06
GRAND TOTAL———————————$106,909.19

Adisabled mother of two hopes the last Christmas in her home is nothing short of a miracle.Her husband was laid off in August. They are behind on the mortgage and will lose their home next month. Her husband works odd jobs, but it’s not enough to pay the bills.She doesn’t qualify for health insurance. She has tried to get help but says she has been turned away because she doesn’t qualify or the agency doesn’t have the funding.“My life was so great before I became disabled. . . . We spent thousands of dollars over the years to help others, and now that we need the help, it seems as if we cannot get it.“






In honor ofThe St. Stephen’s &Willow Oaks Ladiesfrom Irene Benton————————————-$100.00

In loving memory ofFrancesca Parchfrom the Parch Family————————————-100.00
In memory of Boomba—with love, Boodie————————————-100.00
In loving memory of mywonderful parents, my sister,Vaughan and John Scott andCaroline Wofford————————————-100.00
In honor of and in Thanksgivingfor Don, Matthew, Kathleen,Anne Wesley, T and Wright————————————-100.00
Nice job, Miss Alicefrom Laura and George————————————-100.00
In memory ofJane and Barbour Thornton,in memory ofHelen Wolfe Evans,in celebration ofHunter, Marshall, Sam, AlecWill and Barbour————————————-100.00
In loving remembranceof past Christmases shared withour family and friends.Jean and Arnold Frederick————————————-100.00
In memory of Pete Johnsonfrom Carolyn and Bob Johnson————————————-100.00
In honor ofJean and Bob Fulghamfrom Cindy and Bob————————————-100.00
In memory ofEthelene Horne————————————-25.00
In honor of Alice Goodwinfrom Lisa and Bobby Thalhimer————————————-100.00
In memory of May May-Mayand Big O————————————-100.00
In memory ofDr. William T. Clarkefrom Will Clarke————————————-100.00
In honor of Madge Wiltshirefrom Glenn Wilkinson————————————-75.00
In fond memory ofJane Dudley Ginn andRuss Chambliss fromStella and Wardy Thompson————————————-100.00
In loving memory ofAdeline Cox, Mee Maw andGrandaddy fromCameron and Gilmer————————————-100.00
In memory of Joan Krudys,and Carl and Joy Judinby Mark, Emily, Katherineand Hannah Krudys————————————-100.00
In memory of our grandmothers,Lucy Wood and Etta Lawson.We miss you both so very much!Love Ted and Suzanne Tharin————————————-50.00
The Garland Family————————————-25.00
In memory of Milorad Randjelovicfrom the Garland————————————-25.00



In honor of Alice Goodwinfrom Julia and Ben Jones————————————-100.00
Ann & Rickin honor of Bill & Alice————————————-200.00
In memory of my parentsBeverley and Clay Crenshaw,and of their belovedGrandson Graves Truesdale————————————-200.00
In memory of my parents,Mary Draper Witt andJudge Samuel Brown Witt Jr.,and of my aunt,Margaret Draper Wellford————————————-200.00
In honor of Alice Goodwin andour eight grandchildren: Ward, Hannah,Maggie, Bradford, Tripp, Reyn, Spencerand Reid. In loving memory of our parents:from Hannah and David Owen————————————-200.00
In loving memory of John Kenny————————————-250.00
In thankfulness for Graham, Jackson,Sadie, Lily and Amelia————————————-250.00
Joan D. Seaton————————————-50.00
Ann Myer————————————-50.00
In honor of Alice GoodwinRichmond Christmas Motherfrom Anne and Lew Boggs————————————-100.00
Anne and Jay Fox————————————-100.00
In loving memoryof my daughter, Karen.Josephine O. Smith————————————-50.00
In memory of Briscoe B. GuyFrom: Nancy and Coleman Rice————————————-100.00
In honor of our children andgrandchildren. McKinley, Jarrod,Kalen and Camdyn Russell andCourt, Nadia and Ashton Lawlerfrom Linda and Ashton Lawler————————————-25.00

In honor of my mother,Mary B. Hall, 101 years young,from Thomas L. Mitchell————————————-100.00
Scott and Anne Morrill————————————-50.00
In memory of Laurie Dudleyfrom J. Kimpton and Anne Honey————————————-50.00
In memory of Murella Trepanierfrom Ron and Chris Trepanier————————————-250.00
In memory ofBetsy Wade Chinnisfrom Carter C. Chinnis————————————-200.00
Mr. and Mrs. James B. Wells————————————-100.00
In honor of our “Christmas Mother”————————————-150.00
In memory ofThe Rt. Rev. William F. Sullivanfrom The Schroeder Family————————————-200.00
In memory of my wife Patriciafrom C.R. Harris————————————-200.00
In loving memory of my fatherLinwood E. Hailey Sr. andhis brother James K. “Tucker” Haileyfrom Raymond Scott Hailey————————————-10.00
Anne Cronly————————————-100.00
In honor of our grandchildren:Casey, Calvin, Watt, Bailey,Anna and Charliefrom Babs and Calvin Fowler————————————-100.00
In memory of our belovedbrother-in-law David de Givefrom Fred and Muschi Fisher————————————-50.00
In memory of Andrew F. Allredfrom Phyllis Terry Wilson————————————-100.00
Old Dominion Woman’s Club————————————-25.00
In memory of our sonRandy Magnusen fromMorris and Constance Magnusen————————————-100.00
In honor of William F. Braxton Jr.from William F. Braxton————————————-125.00
In loving memory of
George S. Cumminsgiven by Florence F. Cummins————————————-50.00
In honor of friendsfrom “The Hatters”————————————-110.00
In honor ofDr. John Ashworth& Dr. Richard M. Clary————————————-200.00
In honor of Joyce Flemingfrom Gayle Nguyen————————————-25.00
In honor ofJudy and Steve BuisJoni and Mark DrayMikal and Bill HoofnagleJoan and Neal MenkesJudy and Stuart TorbeckfromAnne and Lew Boggs————————————-200.00
In memory of Laurie Dudleyfrom Peyton and Nancy Pollard————————————-50.00
In memory of good friendsfrom Peyton and Nancy Pollard————————————-100.00
In loving memory ofMr. and Mrs. Clyde West Christian andMr. and Mrs.James Nathan Hunter————————————-100.00
In Thanksgiving forCarter, Anne Morgan, Thomas,Hattie and Davis————————————-100.00
I.B. Kennedy————————————-25.00
In honor of Dixie andin memory of Dabney, Anne, Heidi,
Junior & Barney————————————-25.00
R.C. and L.W. Mueller————————————-25.00
Lillian H. Britton————————————-200.00
In memory ofLaurie Dudley andCharles (Spec) Hendersonfrom John and Maggie Hager————————————-100.00
In memory of Peggy Paradisefrom Kathleen H. Westkaemper————————————-50.00
Men’s Fellowship Bible Classof Richmond and Vicinity————————————-100.00
Ginny Anderson————————————-100.00
From August Dietz IV,Katherine D. Sears and Robert S. Dietzin memory of their loving parents,August A. Dietz III andCarolyn M. Dietz————————————-300.00
In honor of my lovesCarter, Willi, Whitney,Jimmy, Meredith, Taylor,Fletcher, Anne and Maggiefrom Mee————————————-100.00
In honor of2006 Christmas Mother, “Tootie"Love, True, Elise and Ravenel————————————-300.00
In honor of Alice Goodwinfrom Terrell and Elliott Harrigan————————————-200.00
In honor of All Christmas Mothersfrom the Harrigans————————————-200.00
In honor of my childrenand grandchildrenfrom Laura N. Wright————————————-50.00
In honor of Alice Goodwinand her familyJohn and Lynn Moreau————————————-100.00
In loving memory of
Mary D. Williamsfrom John D. Williams————————————-100.00
In honor of Alice Goodwin& Salvation Armyfrom James A. Carleton————————————-200.00
In memory of Frank Summers,Grover Jones, Petey Jacobsand Lou Onesty————————————-300.00
In honor of my son CharlesThank you for helping him.Wilhelmenia S. Coleman————————————-20.00
In memory ofAnne Rawles and Leeand in honor of Alice Goodwinfrom Janie and Rob Norfleet————————————-100.00
In honor of Benjamin F. Henley Sr.and in memory of Virginia B. Henleyfrom Benjamin Henley Jr.————————————-50.00
In celebration ofBenjamin’s birthday————————————-200.00
In honor of Raymuch loveMarilyn and Frank————————————-100.00
In memory ofStuart G. Christian Jr.from Peggy Christian————————————-100.00
Thank you . . . Linda, Carolyn,Terry, Barbara, Jan from Betsy————————————-100.00
In honor ofSam, Mary Beth & Emilyfrom Pat & Diane Taylor————————————-100.00
In honor of our mother,The 2009 Richmond Christmas MotherfromMatthew and Kirsti Goodwin————————————-2,500.00
From the Goodwin Family in honorof several close friends————————————-2,500.00
Ken and Mary Cirillo————————————-1,000.00
Mr. and Mrs. J. Ros Bowers Jr.————————————-100.00
In memory ofWillie S. Hudsonfrom Gregory and Jean M. Frane————————————-22.00
In memory ofJean Hudson Millerfrom Gregory and Jean M. Frane————————————-80.00
Remembering thosewho were dear to meMary B. Easterly————————————-100.00
Bass Crane Service Employees————————————-1,000.00
In honor of,respect for,and most of all appreciation formy friend, neighbor and hero:Col. Van T. Barfootfrom Jane Tredway————————————-100.00
In honor of our grandchildren:Chap, Tyler and Mason————————————-50.00
Brenda L. McDannald————————————-25.00
Kathryn Dipasqua————————————-25.00
Julia Gray Michaux————————————-100.00
In memory of Laurie Dudleyby Ronnie & Mary Iva Jones————————————-25.00
Elizabeth B. Hill————————————-25.00
In memory of Laurie Dudleyfrom Annis Singleton Buell————————————-100.00
S. Cary Gill————————————-100.00
Mr. and Mrs. W.E. Singleton,in lieu of Christmas cards————————————-500.00
In memory ofPeter Charles Bance Jr.from a friend————————————-200.00


TODAY’S TOTAL————————————- $18,217.00
PREVIOUSLY REPORTED————————————-$81,306.06
GRAND TOTAL————————————- $99,523.06

When a mother lost her job because she had to take so much time off to care for a chronically sick child, she said her older child “has not one time complained about having to put her life on hold . . . and she has not fussed one time about us not having any money.“ With help from a grant, the mother is taking community college classes “so I could better myself and make a better life for my children,“ she said. They’ve moved into grandmother’s house to cut expenses.

A woman whose two grandsons came to live with her in 2007 said, “It has been a hard road and money has gotten short.“ “We are trying as a family to get through this. I love my grandsons so much, but I’m worried because I can’t afford to give them Christmas. They know the real reason for Christmas . . . but they are still little boys.“






In honor of the

A mother who took a lower-paying job so she could have insurance benefits finds that, even with her husband’s pay added in, there’s little money left over for her two sons, “both straight-A students who have wonderful, caring and outgoing personalities.“ “At times like Christmas, it’s always sad for my sons who are such wonderful and positive kids to have to do without,“ she wrote.