Giving the magic of Christmas

As many of you know, we are opening a branch in Chesterfield, VA in the spring of 2020. Being a bank that loves the community, we couldn’t stand the thought of not reaching out before then. Especially over the holidays.

We’re grateful to have formed a partnership with Woods Tree Farm early on. Together, we have worked closely with The Chester Family YMCA and The Department of Social Services and Children and Family Services to provide 31 families with a tree this year that would not have had one otherwise.

December 10 was the big event held at our branch site located at 10000 Courtview Lane. Families were able to pick up their tree, visit with Santa, and have cookies, hot cocoa, and a special Christmas experience.

“The event held the true spirit of Christmas. Everyone was smiling and happy," said Tanja Brown, our Chesterfield Branch Manager. “The children were playing and full of laughter. There was Christmas music playing in the background while people gathered at the fire pit to tell stories and keep warm. It was magical. So much so that we didn’t even mind the rain. That is until we started putting things away.” 

Jamal Riley, Executive Director of the Chester Family YMCA, said that all of the families were extremely grateful. The YMCA staff is too. They are looking forward to growing their partnership with Chesapeake Bank in the coming year — impacting more of their communities together.

As for the Woods Tree Farm Family, they consider their farm an investment, and they love sharing it with others. They knew when they first opened that they wanted to give back to their community in some way. 

“When this opportunity presented itself, we knew we could not say no,” said Stacey Woods. “We have fallen on hard times before. There were several years where we weren’t sure if we would have a Christmas tree. Once we got one, it was a nice piece of hope and happiness for the season.”

The Farm is owned by Stacey and Phil Woods. They founded their property in 2018 to start a fun tradition for local families and friends. They planted their first trees this past spring, and they have already sold out this season.

Phil works for a digital marketing firm in Richmond by day. He hosts a YouTube channel of ‘farm happenings.’ Stacey works in I.T. during the week and is a true farm girl at heart on the weekends. She loves to have people visit and explore their property. She can be seen making wreaths or making sure everyone is having a great time at the Tree farm.

“We hope this becomes a tradition for the community continuing to offer something fun for families during the Christmas season and pay it forward,” said Phil.

The farm is located at 13941 Clementown Road in Amelia Court House. Our Chesterfield branch will be our fourth branch location in the greater Richmond market area. Renovations are underway.