Cooperative Living March/April 2021 - 10

GoodSamaritan | by Laura Emery, Field Editor
A Good Samaritan Honored
REC member Regina Winston recognized
for her work with senior citizens
P
repare it, and they will come.
That was the hope of Regina Winston in 2015
when she hosted her first Forever Young luncheon for
residents 55 and older from the counties of Henrico, Hanover,
Goochland and Caroline, and Richmond city.
As she prepared and then placed her home-cooked food -
everything from pulled pork barbecue and chicken salad to
green beans and coleslaw - on the buffet table, she wasn't
sure anyone would show up.
" In my heart, I knew this is what I wanted my ministry
work to evolve into. I wanted to be able to reach out to senior
citizens, whether it was 15 people or 100
people, " says the Rappahannock Electric
Cooperative member and director of Forever
Young Community Outreach.
Fast forward five years and Winston is
being honored with the 2020 Good Samaritan
Award, presented annually by the Virginia,
Maryland & Delaware Association of Electric
Cooperatives, for her tireless efforts on behalf
of senior citizens.
An ordained minister, Winston had faith
that her idea of organizing a small team of
local women to help her host monthly
luncheons for seniors was going to meet a
growing need in nearby communities.
" The idea was to invite seniors to gather
for a luncheon on the last Friday of every
month to enjoy food, fellowship, prizes and
speakers who discuss age-appropriate topics
such as safety, health and awareness. I just
wanted to give them support and encouragement -
something to look forward to, " she says. " Because it was the
right thing to do. "
She served it, and they came.
STARTED SLOW
Winston laughs, recalling that only 15 people showed up
to her first luncheon. But as she continued to build on the
ministry, her outreach grew, and after five years of faithfully
devoting her time to Forever Young, Winston's outreach now
surpasses anything she ever expected.
" We can pack a room now, " she explains.
That is, until COVID-19 struck in April 2020. As the
world braced for a worldwide pandemic, Winston knew
she needed an alternative way to carry out her ministry and
continue to reach out to the senior population.
" It just caused me to go in a different direction. But
8 | Cooperative Living | March-April 2021
COVID-19 didn't stop me, " she says.
That different direction involved safely delivering the
same home-cooked meals and goodies to seniors - only
this time, through a scheduled drive-thru at various locations
throughout the area.
HELPING HANDS
Winston is assisted in her volunteer efforts by husband
of 15 years Henry, as well as daughter Antionique Addison,
and her two grandsons when possible, along with several
women in the community.
Addison says, " My mother is an amazing
person. She loves God and she loves people.
She is committed and devoted to her
volunteer work, and senior citizens have
been a passion for her for many, many years.
I'm 41 and probably since I was 12 or 13
years old, I've been going with her to feed
the homeless and help senior citizens. "
A Hanover County resident, Winston
received the prestigious award at a Dec. 6
socially distanced ceremony in Ashland, Va.
" This remarkable lady truly has
unconditional love for others and admirable
dedication toward the senior and elderly
population. She projects warmth, dedication,
love and sincerity, " says Glenda Coles
Leabough, who nominated Winston for
the award.
The award recognizes individuals whose
service constitutes a body of good works
so selfless and life-changing to those whom it has touched
that it is worthy of recognition.
" Regina embodies the seventh cooperative principle of
concern for community. Her tireless efforts truly embody
the tradition of our Good Samaritan Award, " says Richard
G. Johnstone Jr., president and CEO of the cooperative
association.
" We are so proud that an REC member was eligible and
won the prestigious award this year, and that Mrs. Winston
got the recognition she deserves for all the work she does
in the community, " says David Koogler, vice president of
member services and external affairs for REC.
" Regina has hosted, prepared and served some 2,500
meals at her personal expense to a group of ladies who look
forward to dressing up and having good food, music and
(continued on page 11)
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PHOTOS BY GREGG MACDONALD
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Cooperative Living March/April 2021

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