2023 Henrico Christmas Mother named

The Henrico Christmas Mother Council this week announced the selection of Helen Wood as the 2023 Henrico Christmas Mother. Wood is a retired Henrico County Public Schools teacher who enjoyed a 30-year career in the classroom. She was recognized as “Teacher of the Year” during the 2000-2001 school year at George H. Moody Middle School and was the recipient of the Gilman Award in 1992.

Wood began volunteering with Henrico Christmas Mother in 2004 after her retirement from Henrico County Public Schools, helping with warehouse set-up and as a shopping assistant. In 2019, she joined the Henrico Christmas Mother Council as an annual member, sharing her commitment to serving others with the organization's Food and Fundraising and Communications committees. She also has served as HCM's Henrico County Public Schools Liaison since 2020.

Wood’s volunteerism extends to her church, where she has served as hand bell ringer, choir member, tutor for local students, Sunday School teacher, Mission Team’s chairperson, and president of United Methodist Women. She also has been a volunteer at the local LAMB’s Basket food pantry and has served as president and secretary of the United Methodist Family Services Auxiliary. In addition, she is a member of the Alpha Alpha Chapter of The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International.

Wood is a lifelong resident of Henrico County. She and husband Phinehas (Phin) Wood have been married for 58 years and have two daughters and four grandchildren.

The Henrico Christmas Mother program provides food, new clothing, books, toys, and other gift items to qualifying Henrico County families with children, seniors, and adults with disabilities during the holiday season – a tradition that began in 1942. To learn more about the program, including how to apply for assistance or make a donation, visit henricochristmasmother.org or call (804) 236-9741.