Randy Redd, owner of Virginia Family Services (VFS), said he “wanted to really give back to the community, not just have a business here.”

From VFS, the Cumberland County Community Christmas Mother program received its biggest donation so far this year.

VFS donated $1,500 to the program on Monday. This year’s Christmas Mother, Barry Vassar, said this money will go to helping give school supplies to a foster child whose house burned down.

The program, run by the Cumberland County Department of Social Services, helps to bring gifts to those in need throughout the year, Vassar said.

“We do much more than the games and little toys on Christmas morning,” he explained, noting the importance of donors’ help. “We really want to give back to the community and get different businesses engaged in bringing the community together.”

Redd agreed. As a native of Prince Edward County, he sees the importance of giving back where his roots are.

“It’s really about helping families and that’s in line with where my mission is,” Redd said.

“It’s not supposed to be buying Christmas. It’s supposed to supplement Christmas,” Vassar added.

Last year, Vassar and his committee helped improve Christmas for 438 children, 168 families and 91 senior adults.

He said the program has a small budget of $6,000, but is proud of the number of families it is able to reach.

There will be donation cups available at businesses throughout Cumberland County for individuals to donate through December.

Already, Vassar said, many in the community have taken advantage of donation opportunities at the National Night Out Event. Vassar will also be at a Trunk or Treat in Crewe collecting donations. Local area churches, Marion Lumber and True Value have donated to the program already this year.

In November, Angel Trees will be available at the middle and high schools, as well as at various businesses including C&F Bank in Cartersville and Wingos Country Store. Participating donors will buy gifts, as listed on the angel, to go to area children.

Donations can be sent to Cumberland Department of Social Services at P.O. Box 33, Cumberland, VA 23040. Checks should be made payable to Cumberland Community Christmas Mother. Gifts such as brand new board games, clothes and socks can be dropped off at the same location.