VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Linda Whitehurst has spent more than a decade showing up for her community — five days a week, several hours a day — as a volunteer at Samaritan House in Virginia Beach.
Samaritan House provides shelter and support to families escaping abuse and homelessness. Whitehurst volunteers primarily in the donation department, sorting and organizing items, but it is the time she takes to listen to each donor that sets her apart.
"Sometimes people are giving us things [after someone has passed away. It's a piece] of them and you can see the emotion, and I spend time talking to them, " Whitehurst said. "I had a gentleman who came in and said his wife had just passed on Saturday, and he just talked and I just, I thought 'I'm going to hear what he has to say. He needs to tell somebody. And I just listened to him.'"
For Whitehurst, the work is personal. She's always had a giving heart.
"It's where I want to be. I could be volunteering anywhere. I do volunteer in many other places as well, so this is not my only place, but I just, I come in here [and] it feels good. It feels good. We make a difference," Whitehurst said.
Robin Gauthier, executive director of Samaritan House, said Whitehurst's dedication is unmatched.
"I mean, she comes here every day. It's like she's a full-time employee. I see her walking in every day, and it's just amazing the amount of work she does back here. This place couldn't run without her," Gauthier said.
Keyoka White, community engagement manager at Samaritan House, echoed that sentiment.
"Since I've been here, Miss Linda took me wholehearted [with] open arms. She's someone to talk to. She's about the community and I love working with her. Even though I'm her boss, she's my boss," White said.
Whitehurst was named this week's News 3 Everyday Hero. Southern Bank gifted her $425 — $125 more than the standard award amount — to celebrate the bank's 125 years in the community. Whitehurst said the money will go right back to the community.
"I am just speechless. I cannot believe this — this is a blessing. You don't understand. This is such a blessing to be able to do something with this for the community, and that's where it's going to go," Whitehurst said.
For Whitehurst, the motivation has always been simple.
"It's just helping people, giving back to the community [and] getting people started again," Whitehurst said.
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