The Heart of Virginia Christmas Mother (HOVCM) organization met its goal of $30,000 in monetary and in-kind donations.

“The community is so generous, and we received all types of in-kind donations, including toys from various toy drives, hand-knit hats, scarves and blankets and food for distribution day to give to those shopping for their children,” said Kate Pickett Eggleston, president of HOVCM.

She said the organization ended up processing applications for more than 300 children and provided toys for approximately 280 children.

“With the generous donations that we received, we were able to help the Cumberland Christmas Mother program by donating toys to them, as well,” Eggleston said.

The HOVCM program is a nonprofit charitable organization that was formed in 2016 with the purpose of serving the community by providing those in need with clothes, toys, books and other gift items during the holiday season. Prince Edward County Commonwealth’s

Attorney Megan Clark was chosen as the 2017 Christmas Mother in June.

Clark said representing and working with the organization this year “has been an amazing experience.”

“Likewise, it has been heartwarming and encouraging to see so many people in the community donate and volunteer with HOVCM,” Clark said. “During a time when so many things are reportedly going wrong, it has been refreshing and energizing to see our community band together.”