Each year, the Richmond Times-Dispatch selects a prominent Richmond volunteer to serve as Christmas Mother and raise funds for those in need during the holiday season. Class of 1974 alum Mary Jane Hogue, a grandmother of six, is the 91st Christmas Mother. “I’m still pinching myself,” said Hogue, with a smile. She learned about the honor in April, but had to keep it secret until July, when the paper made the announcement.

Her days are now filled with events she sometimes attends in her glittering red and green dress. Some of the high-profile occasions include the Christmas Parade, visiting patients at the Children’s Hospital of Richmond, and participating in coat drives hosted by Puritan Cleaners.

“At one event, a very successful gentleman in Richmond was talking about how he did not have a winter coat when he was a child,” Hogue said. “He got a coat from the Salvation Army, and he kept it and makes his children wear it because he doesn't want them to take things for granted.”

Hogue has also attended many smaller events throughout the season. She’s collected mittens that the seniors at Westminster Canterbury Richmond knitted during the year and spoken to several women’s and Rotary Clubs.

“The donations have been coming in. Let’s face it, right now, the need is probably a little more than it's been, between the government shutdown and food banks struggling to keep their shelves stocked,” she said.

Donations to the Christmas Mother Fund primarily support the Salvation Army and Feed More, but they also provide funding to around 50 other nonprofits that focus on human needs. All donors get their names printed in the Richmond Times-Dispatch. Many donate in memory or in honor of someone special in their lives.

Hogue’s Christmas Mother work begins as early as 7 a.m., and she often returns home late at night. Between 10 p.m. and midnight, she has one more special task. “As the Christmas Mother, you write all your own thank you notes for every donation that comes in,” Hogue said.

This holiday, because of the great need she sees, she is determined to raise more than last year’s record $377,000.

A life of service

Hogue’s career began when she was still at the University of Richmond and working as a bank teller. She also taught in Henrico County schools, raised her children as a stay-at-home mom, and then spent 29 years as vice-president of JMJ Corporation. She worked with Historic Richmond for eight years before joining as chief innovation officer at MedRVA Foundation.

She’s also been a dedicated volunteer, currently serving on the city’s Board of Zoning Appeals and the Maymont Foundation. She also serves as an advisory member for Illume Family Recovery, is involved with the Success Foundation of Virginia, is a member of the West Richmond Rotary Club, and volunteers with the UR Chapel Guild.

"Mary Jane has led a lifetime of commitment to the health and well-being of others,” said classmate Janet Ferrell, who is also a Chapel Guild volunteer. “The many years of corporate career and Board work with nonprofits, as well as volunteer commitments, demonstrate her incredible talent and skill. The community is privileged to have her as the 2025 Richmond Christmas Mother.”

At a recent holiday cotillion, middle school students brought in donations. She spoke to them about kindness, the platform she has chosen to focus on as Christmas Mother. “I thanked them for their kindness and told them how inexpensive kindness is to pass on to someone else, even if that someone’s not being nice to them,” she said.

She let them know the tangible impact of their gifts. “They’re feeding people Christmas morning. They're putting a toy or a book under somebody’s tree,” Hogue said. “They’re not just lighting a tree. They’re lighting someone’s life.”