The Essex County Christmas Mother Program has asked Deborah Ball to be their public spokesperson as the Christmas Mother for 2023. The Christmas Mother Program coordinates with Shop With A Cop, and the Salvation Army by facilitating the application process. In 2022, the program was able to help supplement gifts to nearly 200 Essex County children, age birth – 12 years old, because of donations and gifts from churches, businesses, organizations, and individuals. The Rappahannock Times reports applications will be available to Essex County residents during the month of October at the Department of Social Services and the Seventh Day Adventist Community Services (Food Pantry). The deadline to return completed applications to Social Services is the last day of October.