VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Felix Reader has been volunteering at Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital for more than 10 years, helping visitors navigate the parking lot and find their way around the campus.
Reader can often be found in the hospital's parking lot driving the Courtesy Ride, keeping watch over the area, and giving visitors transportation assistance.
"We have a lot of things going on out in parking lot," Reader said.
Born in what was then Princess Anne County — now Virginia Beach — Reader has made it his mission to give back to his community. He says he is proud to help hospital visitors during what can be stressful times.
"People forget where they park their cars, so we get to help them find their automobiles. And people get confused sometimes about where the doctors are and where the hospital is," Reader said.
When asked what he wants people to know when they encounter him in the parking lot, Reader emphasized the quality of care at the hospital.
"I want them to know that they're in the hands of some good medical people who will take care of them here and see that their needs are met," Reader said.
Reader thought he was meeting with maintenance staff when I surprised him with a News 3 Everyday Hero award and $300 from our community partner, Southern Bank.
"I'm overwhelmed. I really am," Reader said. The award marked a first for the longtime volunteer. "I don't know how to react."
Reader's daughter, Bettie, wasn't surprised by the recognition her father received.
"Even though it is a surprise, it's not a surprise to me because he has a lifetime of living his life in volunteer service to other people. From the time I was 13, I remember him volunteering every week at a nursing home to leading a Sunday service, and he still does that to this day. So it's been over 50 years," she said.
Reader has volunteered alongside his wife, who first encouraged him to serve at the hospital. The couple has been married for 66 years.
"I actually envy him and his wife. They've been married 66 years, and they volunteer the same day and without fail, Mr. Felix will be looking for his bride at lunchtime and they will eat together. That's my favorite part," said Dolores Reed, the team coordinator of volunteer services.
Hospital leadership praised Reader's commitment to the community.
"Felix is just an example of how committed we are, our connection to the community and all that we have to offer here as a team," said Chernelle Hill, Vice President of Hospital Operations for Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital.
Chief Nursing Officer Sonia Cooper expressed gratitude for Reader's service.
"I just want to genuinely say, thank you for being our representative and it's all out of the goodness of your heart. So, thank you," Cooper said.
For Reader, volunteering provides purpose and fulfillment in retirement.
"It gives retired people a sense of serving and responsibility to help others," Reader said.
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