Governor Glenn Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin visited Fort Lee’s Holiday Helper Toy Store on December 10, 2025, to donate $21,875 to the Holiday Helper Association. The nonprofit organization supports military families by providing free holiday gifts and essential items for children of junior-ranking service members. The program operates with the help of volunteers and donations, serving over 2,000 military children each year.
Governor Youngkin stated, “At the start of our service journey together, the First Lady and I pledged that we would donate our salary to organizations that embody the character and the shared values that make the Commonwealth of Virginia so special. Our first donation, back in April 2022, went towards supporting our front-line heroes in law enforcement. Now we’ve come full circle and are giving our final donation toward supporting the families of those who preserve the freedoms we enjoy today. Holiday Helper is an incredible association that has done so much to give military children the kind of Christmas they dream of and deserve. Suzanne and I are proud to support Holiday Helper in their amazing mission.”
First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin added, “Holiday Helper wraps military families in generosity and joy—reminding them how deeply they are valued. We are humbled to support a program that reflects the very best of Virginia’s Christmas spirit.”
During their visit, Governor Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin were joined by Major General Sean Davis, Commanding General of the U.S. Army Combined Arms Support Command; Colonel Richard “Rich” J. Bendelewski, Garrison Commander; and Carlton Branch, President of Holiday Helper Association. The event included remarks from military leaders, testimonials from service members, a formal check presentation, and a gift selection activity where the Governor and First Lady helped soldiers choose presents for their children.
Since its founding in 2001 as a small initiative within Army Community Services, Holiday Helper has expanded into a year-round operation working with more than 100 community partners. Its programs now also provide commissary gift cards, new parent support items, and resources for Wounded Warriors as well as National Guard and Reserve personnel.
This donation marks the fulfillment of Governor Youngkin’s commitment to donate his entire gubernatorial salary during his term in office. In total, he and First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin have contributed $700,000 to 20 nonprofits across Virginia. Many recipient charities are based near Petersburg as part of an ongoing effort called The Partnership for Petersburg.
More information about supported charities or The Partnership for Petersburg can be found at www.firstlady.virginia.gov/about/awards-and-donations/.
