How We Began—and Where We’re Going
Do Gooders of Hampton Roads began with a simple question: What can we do to help?
On February 6, 2015, snow had brought everyday life in Hampton, Virginia, to a pause. With people home from work and children home from school, I was enjoying a living-room conversation with my son, Leon, and one of my best friends, Vondreka Fox.
Then a friend, Tanesha Semerzier, shared a picture on Facebook of people tying scarves to trees in New York’s Central Park for those experiencing homelessness. It was a simple act of kindness, but it sparked something in us. We started talking about how we could help right here in our own community.
That conversation, along with my experience serving on Hampton’s Neighborhood Commission and training with Jim Moynihan, became the beginning of Do Gooders.
Our mission remains rooted in the same heart: to foster the spirit of doing good for others, helping each other, and creating an infectious spirit of spreading love throughout the community.
A Fresh Start
Today, we’re giving Do Gooders a fresh start with a new website and a clearer structure to support our work.
Hampton is our founding chapter. As we prepare for chapters in other Hampton Roads cities, our organization’s leadership will provide guidance and support. I serve as Founder and Executive Director, alongside Whalan, our Organization President, and Krista, our Organization Secretary. Together, we oversee the organization and lead the Hampton chapter.
New chapters will begin with a small leadership team: a Chapter President, Chapter Secretary, and Volunteer & Community Coordinator. We’re also looking for Pillar Leaders to guide specific areas of our community work.
Our hope is to make it easier for people to find their place, share their gifts, and turn a desire to help into action.
There’s a Place for You
For me, doing good is part of everyday life. It’s speaking good, being a light, serving God and His people, and finding joy along the way. Sometimes that means helping with a community project. Sometimes it means offering an encouraging word or noticing a neighbor who needs support.
You don’t have to wait until you have more time, more money, or everything figured out to begin. A willing heart is a meaningful place to start.
Whether you’ve served with us before or are meeting us for the first time, welcome. Explore our website, sign up to volunteer, or reach out about a leadership opportunity.
Let’s keep spreading love—and inspire someone else to do the same.
Deena Moore Hughes
Founder & Executive Director, Do Gooders of Hampton Roads
