HENRICO, VA (WWBT) - We're paying it forward at a small business in Henrico, where community service is a family affair. A father and daughter are committed to helping students honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Anitra Archer organizes the annual MLK Youth Summit, and today, an appreciative parent is giving her an Act of Kindness.
At the Archer Insurance Agency, planning is well underway for a gathering the Saturday before the national King holiday. January 14th, 2012 is the next MLK Youth Summit in Henrico.
"I had these kinds of experience growing up. This is my way of giving back," said Anitra Archer.
As a child, Anitra Archer attended plenty of summits. She's been organizing the day long youth event for the past 14 years.
"I just like putting it all together," Anitra said.
Hundreds of students from local schools, church and youth groups gather for a day of food, fun, prizes and activities to inspire them to pursue their own dreams.
"I like some sort of learning that's fun but really relevant," Anitra said. "Interactive activity, they have to be moving, talking, participating and then at the end, we give door prizes away."
"Our kids need to learn life skills," said Jaida Cureton. "She has a tremendous love for trying to get our youths set up for their future."
Jaida Cureton says her friend nurtures every child
"Very selfless, very caring, concerned," Jaida said. "She volunteers and spends money out of her pocket to fund it. I hope this will give her a little bit of encouragement."
Anitra doesn't know we're right outside her office. Jaida makes a casual phone call.
"And she's on the way," Jaida said.
We rush to get into place, but Anitra is out the door before we know it, and our cover's blown.
"I just want to thank you for all that you do with the Martin Luther King Youth Summit," Jaida said to Anitra. "Me as a parent, I appreciate what you do and I just want to show an Act of Kindness, so here we go. $100, $200, $300, you deserve it Anitra."
Anitra says she'll put the cash towards January's Youth Summit, for kids and their parents. The topic: bad behavior.
"This year coming up, we're actually doing bullying, so it's very relevant to life," Anitra said.
She says she was born to honor Dr. King's legacy of service. After all, her dad was part of the movement that brought the King holiday to Henrico schools.
"We're glad to see that we can pass it along to the youngsters so they can take it at least one more generation and another one after that," said Anitra's father.
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