The Heart of Virginia Christmas Mother Board has announced that Prince Edward Commonwealth’s Attorney Megan Clark has been named the 2017 Christmas Mother.

According to a press release, Clark attended Prince Edward High School and Longwood University before attending law school.

“When I first got the phone call, I was shocked that they thought of me,” Clark said. “It made me very happy; Christmas is my favorite time of the year.”

Clark said she wanted to be a part of something like the Christmas Mother, which serves the community by providing those in need with clothes, toys, books and other gifts during the holiday season.

“I know that the area has children and families who are in need,” she said as one her reasons for being interested in Christmas Mother, “and two, being able to provide just a little bit of happiness and joy to them and relieving some of that financial burden from the families is going to be an awesome help … I love everything about it,” Clark said.

According to Kate Pickett Eggleston, in 2016 the nonprofit organization raised more than $28,000 and served approximately 250 children in Prince Edward County.

“We are excited to have Megan as our Christmas Mother as she embodies the heart of our organization, a passion for giving and for serving others. Her vibrant personality and community engagement will help to ensure that we raise awareness of our program and continue to grow,” said Heart of Virginia Christmas Mother Vice President Alex Stewart in a press release.

“They accomplished a lot in a short amount of time last year, and I am excited and up for the challenge of surpassing those goals this year,” Clark said in the release. “I know that the community, too, is up for the challenge and I look forward to working with the board and community members at upcoming events.”

The Christmas Mother is chosen by a selection committee within the organization.