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92-year-old Volunteer: ‘Makes me feel good to realize I’ve helped somebody’

Posted at 7:36 PM, Apr 08, 2014
and last updated 2014-04-08 19:36:36-04

Edith Brown, 92, didn't know what to think when we showed up with our cameras.

I told her we had been hearing some good things about her, causing her to respond with a laugh, "Well, I'm glad. Look, I'm too old to be bad!"

Edith Brown is a part of the "Feed the Hungry Crew" at  First Church of Newport News Baptist. She is their oldest volunteer.

"I do all the shopping. I go to the Foodbank and shop. I go to Costco and shop. I go to BJ's and shop."

Once a week, she joins other church members serving up hot meals to those in need,

"Makes me feel good to realize I've helped somebody, and they leave here with a full stomach.

Pictures displayed at the church capture the many volunteer duties she has performed over nearly 40 years of service.

She also comes to the church nearly every day, opening up the church building and closing it down. She normally shows up about eight in the morning.

For all those reasons, Edith Brown was nominated for a People Taking Action award and was presented with a $100 Visa gift card from our community partner Southern Bank.

I mentioned that at 92, it would be understandable if she wanted to slow down. She was emphatic.

"Oh no I ain't got time for that; I have to keep going."

What is her secret?

"Oh my secret is my heavenly Father.  She also credits her volunteering.

"Oh it helps me! It gives me something to do; it gives me something to look forward to, gives me a purpose, you need a purpose in life."