NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — For goodness sake, Shawn Sommerville is on a mission to brighten the 2025-2026 school year for children in her hometown community of Huntersville in Norfolk.
The founder of the nonprofit Authentic Blessings, Sommerville, 48, has already loaded her sleigh with more than 150 book bags stuffed with school supplies.
“I brought a few book bags that I have had donated, and they’re for all ages,” said an ebullient Sommerville, who pulled over her SUV at the Goff Street Athletic Field in Huntersville to show off her donations. “We even have college ages with college paper in it.”
When Sommerville grew up in the now demolished Tidewater Gardens section of Norfolk, her mother did a good job of disguising their poverty. Once in school, she noticed other students had supplies she didn’t have.
“So it means so much to me because I’ve been there,” said Sommerville, employed by Norfolk Public Schools as a wellness assistant. “And I always told my brother, when I get rich, I’ll give back. I’m not getting rich right now, so I’ll give back sacrifice.”
Decades later, this energetic grandmother has spread love all over the 757.
From Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters, to Huntersville, to a homeless encampment under Military Highway and to Portsmouth, Sommerville is making good on that pledge to her brother. At 11 a.m. Tuesday, July morning at 11, with a sense of urgency, Sommerville will wrap arms around Norfolk’s Huntersville community. Here’s why.
“We have had so many deaths come up, Lord Jesus, from the same hood,” Sommerville said, “and so some love can be given back right now.”
Regina Mobley: You got a great deal of support from some major players in the community. Tell me about that.
Shawn Sommervile: I got Cooper Hurley [law firm] backing me. I have a Life’s Journey [Mental Health] backing me. I have Krispy Kreme. I have so many friends. And let’s talk about ways they’re blessing me. Thank you so much for just coming out and reaching out and being in the area. WAVY-TV 10 has really blessed me and I’m just grateful.
The bookbag giveaway on the football side of the Goff Street athletic field at 830 Goff St. will also include free hotdogs, drinks and ice cream. For more information, contact Sommerville at AuthenticBlessings25@gmail.com.