VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. -- A Virginia Beach woman who helps others in need who is now facing hard times herself was recently surprised by Ellen DeGeneres.
Rickkita Taylor got the ultimate surprise on Friday's "The Ellen DeGeneres Show."
Taylor, who was furloughed since March and is struggling financially, continues to supports her nonprofit Sisters Healing Sisters to help the needy.
"It's not about me, it's about my purpose," Taylor said. "My purpose is to help other people. So although I am going through these difficult times, if I can help somebody else in need, you know what, that in turn helps me."
Taylor explained to Ellen why she decided to start the nonprofit and how it empowers and educates women in need.
"It was created to empower, educate and elevate women through different resources, workshops and outreach," Taylor said. "We help our community. That's our main thing. We help the homeless. We host free workshops. We do anything that we can do help our community."
Taylor said she created the nonprofit because she was "that sister in need" and was facing "roller coasters in life."
She became a single mother as she had just started school and also lost her job.
"I didn't have many resources, so I wanted to create a company that could help people like me and not go through the same thing."
After about hearing Taylor's dedication to helping others, Ellen surprised Taylor with a $10,000 donation to Sisters Healing Sisters and an additional $10,000 for her family, thanks to Shutterfly.
Catch Ellen weekdays at 3 p.m. on WTVR CBS 6 followed by CBS 6 News at 4 p.m.
