Cheri Searles talks about being Chesterfield county Christmas Mother
Be it her young age, her purple hair or her love of heavy metal music, Cheri Searles sometimes gets surprised looks when she introduces herself as the Chesterfield-Colonial Heights Christmas Mother.
But at just 35 years old, Searles already has over a decade of experience.
She began as a volunteer in 2013 after moving from South Carolina with her husband, Adam. She was trying to find a career she was passionate about.
"I went back (to volunteer) every single day, for three days straight," Searles said.
As a volunteer, Searles took parents and families out to shop for gifts and necessities.
While helping a mother shop for one "Magic Tree House" book her son needed to complete his collection, Searles knew the Christmas Mother was where she wanted to be.
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"We found the book, and she almost hit her knees and was crying because she was so excited," she said. "I felt like I could really make a difference if I put in the time and effort. Anyone who is capable of donating their time can make such a difference in the world if they're willing to do that.
The Christmas Mother committee asked if she wanted to join.
"And I just never looked back," said Searles said.
The Chesterfield-Colonial Heights Christmas Mother program began in 1972 by Lucy Corr, then superintendent of the Chesterfield County Welfare Department. The program expanded over the years to include Chesterfield and Colonial Heights and is currently managed by a committee of nearly 80 volunteers.
The program helps families, elders and foster children who are often forgotten during the holiday season, a mission that spoke to Searles personally.
"Once upon a time, I was the person that received help and now I'm able to help others. It's okay to receive help and you can turn around and give help later and really change the life of someone else. Even if you never meet that person, you can change their life," she said.
Searles works with the Chesterfield-Colonial Heights Christmas Mother program full time as toy chairperson. She proudly stood surrounded by hundreds of presents stocked away in a storage unit in November, a month before distribution. Rows of boxes were stacked above her from floor to ceiling.
There were Barbie trucks, board games, hoverboards and more.
Most of the gifts are bought online and delivered to Searles' home, where she organizes them by age with colorful stickers. Once organized, her husband helps her bring them to the four storage units dedicated to gifts.
"She's just so vibrant and energetic. It's been her mission to do everything she can for the Christmas Mother, and I don't know what we would do without her," said Lindsey Dobson, Chesterfield-Colonial Heights Christmas Mother chair.
In November, the program had surpassed its goal to hit 600 sponsors to provide gifts for those in need.
Dobson says Searles' age has been a benefit, prompting more people to ask about the program.
"Because she's so young, the reception has been really good. It's been nice for us because people are asking more questions. I feel like she's brought even more attention to our program, and likes to do things in a fun way. Not too many speeches and she likes to wear fun attire. I think everyone really enjoys the change," Dobson said.
When Searles isn't shopping for toys, she's gaming on Twitch. She has built an online community that's even willing to help her out with fundraising.
Each month, Searles picks a new charity to promote on her stream.
"I play video games, and I use that as a platform to raise awareness about other nonprofits around the world. Each month or two, I'll change my nonprofit that we are highlighting and I use that as a way to raise money."
"I'm not gonna say that we raise a ton of money doing it. We're lucky if we raise a couple $100 a month, but it's still something that I really feel passionate about. And if it gets the word out there, there's so many great causes out there to give your time to," she added.
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Chelsea Jackson (804) 649-6965
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Chelsea Jackson
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