History
How Do Gooders of Hampton Roads Began
Do Gooders started with one afternoon in February 2015- February 6th, to be exact. It was a snowy day in Hampton, Virginia. People were home from work. Children were home from school. Deena’s son Leon and one of her best friends- Vondreka Fox, were enjoying a relaxing conversation in the living room about change. One of Deena’s friends, Tanesha Semerzier, posted a picture on Facebook of New Yorkers tying scarves on the trees in Central Park for the homeless. They started bouncing ideas around on how they could help on a small scale. The New Yorkers created that simple act of kindness, paired with my experience working with the Neighborhood Commission for the City of Hampton and Deena’s training with Jim Moynihan of One Church and Do Gooders!
God split open Deena’s heart and head and put in a dream that day of an organization not like others. One where they did not just get a check but put people who have it with people who need it. A simple concept. She formed a Facebook group immediately. She set a meeting up at her church for February 15, 2015, which she shared on her page, and eight years later- we are a working non-profit organization!
The Do Gooders of Hampton Roads, “where everyone has something to offer,” was established in February 2015. To foster the spirit of doing good to others - help each other and create an infectious spirit of spreading love throughout the community; to encourage community cohesiveness, pride, and positive outcomes and behaviors. Supporting neighborhood needs as best we can.
The Do Gooders of Hampton Roads basis is on the scripture: 1 Timothy 6:18 "Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share." To do good by others as we see a need.
The Do Gooders of Hampton Roads has partnered with several community organizations to mobilize volunteers for Cemetery Clean Ups, Get Out To Vote Rallies, Vaccination Clinics, etc. We have several annual events to serve and support the community, including the Shell Road Fest in August, our back-to-school initiative providing backpacks filled with needed school supplies, a meal, entertainment, and community vendors. The Turkey Giveaway is held in November, where we give free turkeys and side items), and the Christmas Feeding is held on Christmas day, where we provide meals, clothes, shoes, and household items to families in need.
The Lighthouse and the Colors
In the past, sailors recognized the lighthouse as a symbol of hope and security to let them know that land was near. The lighthouse became the symbol of Do Gooders of Hampton Roads because we want to be the light in our community where we live, work, worship, and play. We cannot fix it all, but we help where we can, spread a little love, and change our hearts from a heart of selfishness to a heart of SELFLESSNESS.
Why Orange, White, and Blue?
Orange symbolizes positivity and optimism. It makes people feel encouraged and energized. That is the vibe Do Gooders gives at every event and in our daily lives. We want to make people feel good.
White symbolizes hope and simplicity. We strive to make doing good simple and show others how good it feels. White also means clarity. It is laser-focused on showing love through acts of community kindness.
Blue symbolizes commitment and responsibility. Commitment to our community and accountability of showing everyone what good looks like, not just on duty in community service, but off duty in our personal lives.
Meet Our Founders
We support our community where we work, live, worship, and/or play with what we have. We all have something to offer. We are ready to give and willing to serve.
