Navy Times Sailor of the Year Honorable Mention feeds the homeless

"How do you ever find time for yourself?"

That’s a question heard often by Information Systems Technician First Class Toni Boyd, a 2017 Navy Times Sailor of the Year honorable mention. Despite the busy day job of being a sailor at Naval Computer and Telecommunications Area Master Station Atlantic, Boyd owns and operates a bakery, which she has turned into a catalyst for change within the community.

Both food and money generated from her entrepreneurial efforts are frequently donated to the local homeless community, and the selfless nature in which she has used her business has generated interest from others seeking ways to help.

Working with the homeless is one of Boyd’s passions in life, but she also goes to great lengths to help young people and fellow sailors. And she has helped to raise money for breast cancer and heart disease research.



Recently, she planned the distribution of care packages to homeless people, giving out critical items to ensure the harsh winter months were met with warm clothes and supplies. She also participated in Homeless Assist Day with the goal of providing valuable resources such as housing, clothing, vision and health screenings, food, haircuts and more.

Boyd arranged a uniform and school supply drive to benefit a local elementary school, and she also organized a youth essay contest which awarded clothes and supplies for five winners.

During Thanksgiving, Boyd and a few others teamed up to feed local sailors who may have been alone for the holidays.

"It started out intended for junior sailors," she said. "But someone posted a flyer at a veteran center, and it wound up expanding into much more. It was great."

For Christmas, she sponsored one of the Norfolk Christmas for Kids parades, helping to provide 10,000 toys to 10,000 children in an effort to ensure every child had a present to open on Christmas morning.

So, as a full-time sailor, married with three young children and with an indefatigable drive to help her community, how does she find time for herself?

"Everyone always asks me that. Thankfully, my husband and I work great as a team. He even wore a minion costume one time for the kids," she said, laughing. "He’s dedicated."

Boyd’s oldest son, an 8-year-old, is already following in his mother’s footsteps. He’s raised over $500 the last two years for the American Heart Association’s Jump Rope for Heart event and has been a top fundraiser at his school. 

If he grows up to be anything like his mother, the world — and the community — will be better for it.