NORFOLK, Va. — Yolanda Stoner has dedicated her life to serving her community. Whether it’s providing resources to people who escaped a fire at their home last year, promoting peace over gun violence, or serving free meals in economically challenged communities every Sunday— Stoner is there with a smile, a hug and resources.
“She is a true angel,” said Teaira Williams, who lost her belongings when fire ripped through her apartment on Springfield Avenue in Norfolk last year. “Ms. Stoner has been there every [step] of the way with me personally getting back on my feet.”
“[She helped me] with clothes, food, a word— just encouraging me," Williams continues. "She did all of that.”
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“God puts me where I’m needed all the time,” said Stoner, moments after I surprised her with a News 3 Everyday Hero. “I just love it.”
Several community members nominated Stoner for a News 3 Everyday Hero award, and many of them joined me Sunday to surprise her on Church Street and East Brambleton Avenue in Norfolk as she volunteered with Bruce Jones Love Ministry to serve meals— and hugs.
“Yolanda is an everyday hero to many,” said Nykeeta Watts in her nomination letter. “Yolanda is such a giver and provider to everyone in need.”
Stoner told me she has been serving the community since she was a little girl, but when her 19-year-old son died from gun violence in Chesapeake more than 20 years ago, she did it to honor him.
“In memory of him, I help people in need,” Stoner said. “It means that he’s going to live forever.”
Stoner founded the community service organization "Forever 19" in her son’s honor. She’s also a volunteer with Guns Down Stop the Violence. She was with the group Sunday serving the community when I honored her as our newest community hero.
Watch previous Everyday Hero: Art teacher at John F. Kennedy Middle School creates a fun, safe place for Suffolk students
“We have one more surprise from our community partner Southern Bank,” I said to Stoner, whose hands were already filled with the Everyday Hero award and flowers from the community. “We are also awarding you with a $300 gift card!”
As the crowd erupted with joy, Stoner’s eyes filled with tears. We hugged, and I told her how deserving she was of this recognition.
“Thank y’all,” she said. "I love y’all."
If you know someone like Yolanda Stoner who goes above and beyond to help others, please nominate them for a News 3 Everyday Hero award.
