The results are in for the 2024 Everyday Hero Humanitarian Award!
Each year, we work with segment sponsor Southern Bank to select 12 Everyday Heroes whose work and stories stand out.
This year's winner is Jeff Pugh, whose own personal experience drives him to help out local children with bike donations.
Watch: Hampton hero makes sure every kid has the chance to experience the joy of owning a bicycle
Pugh works in the Hampton Police Department’s building as a custodian and in facilities management for the city of Hampton.
“I've always seen scrappers scrap bikes,” Pugh told News 3's Pari Cruz back in January. "Well, I beat them to the punch, and I would go around my neighborhood collect bikes, fix them up, and then just leave them on the curb."
Once he fixes them up, he hands them out.
“If a kid asks, they get a bike,” said Pugh. "If I see a kid that needs a bike, then I asked their parents if they need a bike. And if the parent says yeah, then let's move something. Let's do something.”
He’s been doing that for the about three years, all out of his own pocket.
Watch related coverage: Day of surfing turns into life-saving rescue mission for Virginia Beach teens
Pugh’s effort to ensure every kid experiences the joy of owning a bicycle comes from the heart. He says he once was a kid without a bike.
“I lived in a poor neighborhood,” said Pugh. “So I would find bikes in the neighborhood, trashed out bikes, broken bikes, I had a pipe wrench, a screwdriver, and take and that's how I kept my bikes running.”
Pugh emphasized the freedom bikes provide, saying, "Bikes let me escape my neighborhood... And Hampton, which has amazing libraries, community centers, places where the kids can go, if they have bikes, they can get there easier."
Pugh received a $2,500 award from WTKR and Southern Bank will make a donation to a charity of his choosing!
Watch related coverage: Regent students collect and fly supplies to hurricane victims in North Carolina
You can view the 11 other nominated Everyday Heroes below:
1. Virginia Beach woman says the Lord gave her a second chance at life with a kidney transplant
News 3 Everyday Hero: Stephanie Fulford
2. Verizon technicians credited for saving Newport News family from fire
News 3 Everyday Heroes: Chris Leonard and Nick Christian
3. Couple saves child from drowning in Portsmouth
News 3 Everyday Heroes: Larry McNeil and Frances Taylor McNeil
4. Suffolk baker delivers treats to cancer patients undergoing treatment
News 3 Everyday Hero: Sandra Merrill
5. Woman who founded Parents Against Bullying opens free boutique at Newport News schools
News 3 Everyday Hero: Shant’a Miller White
6. Virginia Beach woman helps Hampton Roads seniors with doctors appointments & beyond
News 3 Everyday Hero: Kebe Broadnax
7. Norfolk woman fought to create safe space for teens with a purpose
News 3 Everyday Hero: Deirdre Love
8. Ability Center of Virginia volunteer recognized for her dedication
News 3 Everyday Hero: Stephanie Ipock
9. Virginia Beach grandmother fights back tears when honored for volunteering
News 3 Everyday Hero: Florence Brown
10. Virginia Beach couple, 12-year-old jump into action to save boy from drowning at pool party
News 3 Everyday Heroes: Piper Clark, Leslie McGinnis and Kirk McGinnis
11. Personal trainer is a hero for saving lives with free health initiative
News 3 Everyday Hero: Tasha Turnbull
