SUFFOLK, Va. — For the past two years, Damean Spiggle has volunteered weekly at the For Kids Suffolk location, making sure the community pantry is stocked, among many other tasks.
“I really do rely on him, not only to help feed the children; he serves meals in our after-school program, but he’s also my eyes for all of our supply drives,” said Karen Sekulski, volunteer coordinator at For Kids.
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For Kids is a Hampton Roads nonprofit providing food, shelter, and support for impoverished families in need.
“He comes and spoils our staff by baking cookies, so it’s not just for the children; he spoils the staff as well,” Sekulski added.
In just under two years, he’s logged more than 225 hours at the downtown Suffolk center.
“You see that there is a need, like when we do our backpack drive or our holiday shop. The excitement, the relief that the families express saying 'that’s one less worry we have this month' is clear,” said Taleshia Howard, Suffolk Director at For Kids.
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It's clear that the time and love Damean gives to the nonprofit, he gets back.
“Kids love him. He’s my right-hand man during the toy drive. I don’t have to say it; he’s already doing it. He’s amazing and we love him,” said Karen.
I surprised him with a News 3 Everyday Hero award, along with a $300 Visa gift card from community partner Southern Bank. Even after we gave him our award, Damean was still in disbelief.
When reflecting on his experience volunteering, Damean shared, “Every child shows appreciation and gratitude. There are always smiles, hugs, fist bumps, and I just love it."
He tells us he’s going to use the gift card from Southern Bank to buy baking supplies to make cookies for the kids and staff. It's one of the many reasons Damean Spiggle is our Everyday Hero and positively impacts Hampton Roads.
