HAMPTON, VA. — Sylvia Woods' passion for the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank inspired her to start an annual Independence Day food drive five years ago.
"The [Virginia Peninsula Foodbank] needs everything that we can do. They rely on us," Woods said.
Over the five years she has run the drive, Woods has collected a total of 8,242 pounds of food.
This week, News 3 anchor Jessica Larche surprised Woods with an Everyday Hero award.
"I hope that someone watching will say wow, I want to [give to the food bank]," Woods said.
Watch 'It's been amazing:' Virginia Peninsula Foodbank servers reflect on first summer helping feed kids
Community partner Southern Bank celebrated Woods with a $425 gift card — $125 more than the bank's usual gift, to mark its 125th anniversary.
In true form, Woods had one question when she heard about the gift card.
"Can I donate it back to the food bank?" Woods said.
Virginia Peninsula Foodbank leaders say Woods' generosity helps keep neighbors fed during tough times.
"Every donation makes a difference, but when people give from the heart, it warms our hearts as well," Craig Gallaer of the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank said.
"Volunteers like Sylvia make all of our days, and we are so, so glad we can honor her today," Megan Grigorian of the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank said.
Woods' friend Randal Richardson, who has helped with her food drive efforts, nominated her for the honor.
"She's just a good person overall and I figured you guys need to [...] know it and everybody out there on TV needs to know it," Richardson said.
Woods said the drive is driven by a desire to extend her circle of support to those who need it most.
"We're so blessed in our group of friends we will do anything for anybody, but there's so many people out there that don't have this circle of love and it just," said Woods. "It just makes my heart burst."
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