One Evington woman received a special Valentine's Day gift from the Virginia Lottery.
Denise Helm bought a ticket in the Right on the Money scratch game and won a $1 million prize.
She bought her ticket at Miles Market on Sunburst Road and knew that the ticket was worth a large sum of money after the store was unable to cash the ticket.
"I saw a code on it and realized I had won a million dollars," Helm said Tuesday. "I went to Judy (the clerk) and grabbed her and screamed that I had won a million dollars"
Helm claimed her prize two days later at the Farmville customer service center. She chose to take her winnings in a lump, one-time payment of $645,000, rather than in 25 annual payments.
"I would suggest that anyone who wins get financial advice before making a decision," she said. "Don't let that big check influence your decision."
Helm said she plans to start a college fund for her 2-year-old grandson, Aaden, with her winnings. She also bought herself a 2011 Chevrolet Impala with her winnings.
"I want to make sure he is taken care of," she added.
"I plan on taking him to Disney World in a few years," Helm added. "I've never been on a trip like that either."
The other thing she is looking to purchase is a new home in the area. Helm is a lifelong resident of the area and is looking to stay in the region.
Helm also said the winnings have not changed who she is. She said she will continue to work and will put most of her winnings into investments and savings.
"I am still the same person I always was," she added. "I have worked for everything I have and this is nice."