Richmond Habitat's director, Leisha G. LaRiviere, says the gifts are significant because land costs have risen.

Christmas came early for some Richmond-area families, but they won't realize it for a while.

Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity this month received its two largest land donations in its 21-year history.

The 23 parcels in Chesterfield County and Richmond are expected to help the nonprofit home builder and developer provide affordable homes to potentially two dozen to three dozen low-income families, beginning next year.

The donations are significant because land costs in central Virginia have been rising an average of 10 percent per year in the past five years, said Leisha G. LaRiviere, executive director for Richmond Habitat. The value of the gifts was not disclosed.

By getting lots at no cost, particularly when they're clustered, Richmond Habitat can build more efficiently and invest some of the savings into making the homes energy-efficient, she said.

"We can keep costs lower for our homeowners over the long haul," LaRiviere said.

Last week, Retta Leigh Keil of Richmond donated seven parcels on Kingsport Lane, south of Cloverleaf Mall, in Chesterfield.

She was inspired, according to Habitat officials, after watching an episode of "The Oprah Winfrey Show" that highlighted the entertainer's efforts with Habitat for Humanity to build homes for families displaced by Hurricane Katrina.

"Affordable housing for community residents is a personal commitment," Keil said in a statement released by Richmond Habitat. "I believe in working with people and the nonprofits who serve them best to most effectively grow a strong Richmond region."

Randy and Meade Welch of Varina made a donation that allowed Richmond Habitat to obtain 16 parcels from Glendale Homes. The parcels are in several areas of Richmond, with 13 of them off U.S. 1 near Terminal and Lynnhaven avenues. The deal was finalized this week.

Randy Welch said he's supported Richmond Habitat in smaller ways in the past and is gratified to know the efforts will continue. "I've been encouraged by the work they've been doing and greatly impressed by the amount of young people taking a strong, active part" in building projects.

Richmond Habitat expects to start construction on the lots in Chesterfield next summer, LaRiviere said. Homes on the Richmond properties are expected next year or in 2009.

Individuals or families for the homes haven't been identified. For information, call (804) 232-7001.

Contact Will Jones at (804) 649-6911 or wjones@timesdispatch.com.