The Helpers: ‘Do Gooders of Hampton Roads’ bring Mother’s Day cheer to seniors
Hampton — Growing up on Shell Road in Hampton, Whalan McDew benefited from other women around the block, in addition to his mom, who helped raise him decades ago. Like an extra set of mothers, these ladies, back then and now, continue to help nurture children who call the closely knit neighborhood home.
“These ladies helped raise me. They gave me advice with girls, advice with school …. whole nine yards,” the 57-year-old McDew said. “My mother had mental health issues, so my brothers and I had to learn how to cook and sew and do laundry, and these ladies were here to help.” McDew wanted to make sure these ladies weren’t forgotten on Mother’s Day.
The Hampton native leads a grass-roots community group called the Do Gooders of Hampton Roads, who are dedicated to acts of community kindness. On Sunday, members plan to fan out through several neighborhoods in Hampton, Newport News and Yorktown ― appropriately attired with masks and gloves — to deliver a gift and cheer to these women.
