VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — They call her Miss Sylvia, and her church family at Piney Grove Baptist in Virginia Beach describer her as a "one-woman community feeding machine."
Sylvia Etheridge has overseen the church pantry for more than a decade, and during that time, it has evolved into much more.
Under Miss Sylvia's leadership, it not only provides an abundance and wide variety of food items, but also clothing, household items and school supplies.
While it takes a small, dedicated army to handle the weekly drive-thru food distribution, the church volunteers give her all the credit.
Church volunteer Fay Malcom sings her praises.
"She does this food bank single-handed almost, we're just volunteers who distribute what she brings, she picks up food five or six days a week," Malcom said.
Pastor D. L. Williams told News 3's Barbara Ciara there's no stopping her during rain, sleet or snow.
"I have to tell her to go home sometimes," the pastor said.
Miss Sylvia Etheridge was delighted to receive the News 3 Everyday Hero award along with the $300 Visa gift card from our community partner at Southern Bank.
In true, selfless form, Miss Sylvia shared with us what she plans to do with the money.
"They say spend it on yourself, not on the food pantry. I always say yes, but they know what I do," Miss Sylvia said.
If you know someone who's doing great work in the community, you can nominate them for an Everyday Hero award here.
