Norfolk, Va. – In a celebration of local generosity, WTKR News 3 and its sister station WGNT were selected as honorees for the 2026 Civic 50 Hampton Roads program. The award, presented by VOLUNTEER Hampton Roads in partnership with Points of Light, highlights companies that embed volunteerism, charitable giving and community engagement into their daily operations.
Why the stations stood out
According to VOLUNTEER Hampton Roads, honorees are chosen through an independently administered survey that scores four key areas: investment of resources, integration of community engagement across business functions, institutionalization through policies and systems, and measurement of community impact. WTKR News 3 and WGNT excelled in each category, demonstrating a sustained commitment to the people they serve.
Impact in numbers
All 2026 Civic 50 honorees together logged more than 33,900 volunteer hours, with over 4,400 employees from the participating companies taking part in service projects throughout Hampton Roads. Collectively, the organizations contributed $23.5 million to charitable causes via grants, donations, pro‑bono services and other contributions.
The funds and volunteer effort supported a range of priority areas, including children and youth development, education, community revitalization, health and well‑being, and military and veteran assistance. These focus areas align closely with the values of families, faith‑based groups and patriotic citizens who rely on strong local institutions.
Other notable honorees
Joining WTKR News 3 and WGNT were a diverse group of businesses such as Cox Communications, Newport News Shipbuilding, Virginia Natural Gas, TowneBank, Chartway Credit Union, Elizabeth River Crossings and Rivers Casino Portsmouth. The program also recognized top‑performing companies by size: ALTOR Processing Systems for small businesses, ABNB Federal Credit Union for medium‑sized firms, and Atlantic Union Bank for large enterprises.
Program background
The Civic 50 Hampton Roads initiative began in 2023 and mirrors Points of Light’s national effort to spotlight companies that weave community service into their corporate DNA. The survey that determines the honorees is administered by True Impact, an organization that specializes in measuring the social and business value of community engagement.
VOLUNTEER Hampton Roads said the program not only celebrates past achievements but also encourages participating companies to deepen their impact in the years ahead. By publicly recognizing these efforts, the organization hopes to inspire other businesses in the region to adopt similar practices.
What this means for the community
For residents of Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake and the surrounding counties, the recognition underscores the vital role that local media outlets and other businesses play in strengthening neighborhoods. When stations like WTKR News 3 and WGNT mobilize staff to volunteer, they model the kind of civic responsibility that aligns with traditional family values and the Christian principle of serving one’s neighbor.
As the Hampton Roads region continues to grow, the partnership between businesses, nonprofit groups and community leaders will remain essential to maintaining a safe, prosperous and faith‑centered environment for all families.
For more information about The Civic 50 Hampton Roads program and VOLUNTEER Hampton Roads, visit volunteerhr.org.
Original reporting: WTKR News 3 (Scripps) – local — read the source article.
