Carignan named 2026 Henrico Christmas Mother
Organization also schedules 'Making Spirits Bright' fundraiser for July 25
The Henrico Christmas Mother Council has announced the selection of Kathi Carignan as the 2026 Henrico Christmas Mother. Carignan joined the Council in 2022 and is a member of the food committee and the fundraising and communications committee.
A lifelong Virginian, Carnigan moved from Tidewater to Henrico County more than 40 years ago. She is a graduate of The College of William & Mary (with a B.A. in economics) and of VCU (with an M.S. in information systems).
After working in banking for more than 35 years, she retired from SunTrust Bank (now Truist) as group vice president of the Commercial Business Information Office.
In addition to her Henrico Christmas Mother activities, Carignan is a member and board member of The Tuckahoe Woman’s Club, a member of the Metropolitan Richmond Woman’s Club, and a member of Christ Church Episcopal in Glen Allen, where she co-chairs the hospitality committee. She also volunteers weekly at the food pantry at Three Chopt Presbyterian Church.
Since 1942, Henrico Christmas Mother has provided food, new books, toys, clothing, and other gift items to qualifying Henrico County families, seniors, and adults with disabilities. In 2025 the Henrico Christmas Mother served 4,696 individuals, including 2,493 children and 885 seniors and adults with disabilities, and allowed 1,638 families to "shop" with choice and dignity. Food relief constitutes 40 percent of the program cost, supported by financial gifts, donations, and more than 700 community volunteers annually.
The annual fundraiser for Henrico Christmas Mother programs, "Making Spirits Bright Night," will take place July 25 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Virginia Cliffe Inn.
For details about the fundraiser or Henrico Christmas Mother, including information about how to volunteer, donate, or apply for assistance, visit henricochristmasmother.org or call (804) 236-9741.
