Henrico County Public Schools (HCPS) announced that central office staff and Ratcliffe Elementary’s fifth-grade chorus contributed to the holiday season celebrations while acknowledging approximately $150,000 in donations and financial support raised for the Henrico Christmas Mother program.
According to HCPS, the results of its annual support for the Henrico Christmas Mother were marked with a presentation at Central Office. Superintendent Amy Cashwell presented a $2,827 check to Anne McGee, the 2025 Henrico Christmas Mother, and Jean Hayes, the organization’s school liaison. This amount represented funds raised by multiple Central Office departments. During the event, the Ratcliffe Elementary fifth-grade chorus, directed by music teacher Bethany Johnson, performed seasonal songs before visiting offices throughout the building.
Contributions from across the school division included donation drives, the Marching Band Showcase, and the annual “Soup-er Bowl” competition between Godwin and Freeman high schools. These efforts generated more than 90,000 canned goods along with clothing, books, toys, toiletries, and additional monetary donations. Collectively, these contributions supported more than 1,600 families in Henrico County through the Henrico Christmas Mother program.
Henrico Christmas Mother is a community-based nonprofit organization founded in 1942 that provides holiday assistance to qualifying families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities in Henrico County. Operating through donations and volunteers, it supplies food, new clothing, books, toys, and other essential items. The organization offers recipients a dignified shopping experience while continuing its tradition of neighbors helping neighbors.
HCPS serves more than 330,000 residents across Henrico County, Virginia. It operates 74 schools and program centers reflecting the county’s geographic and social diversity. The division is recognized for academic excellence and innovative programs guided by its strategic plan “Journey to 2030,” which emphasizes academic achievement and supportive learning environments among other goals. HCPS aims to empower every learner through engaging experiences that prepare students for future careers and personal growth. The division is led by Superintendent Dr. Amy E. Cashwell and overseen by a five-member elected School Board representing the county’s magisterial districts.
