Woman uses own money to keep summer camp open for low-income children

RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) - Summer camp can cost a fortune for those less fortunate. However, one woman is stepping in to help make sure no kid is left without summer fun.

It’s partly why Tanya Jackson opened the “Kidz at Work” summer camp in Richmond at no cost to parents.

" I started off with a young girls’ basketball team, and I said I want to take it to the next level. And so that’s why I started to have a program for the youth to keep them out of trouble.”

She turned an empty space in the Whitcomb court community Into a safe space for kids of all ages.

This year, however, she hit a roadblock.

‘Kidz at Work’ was not awarded a grant from the city to support her kids, ages 6 through 12.

But Tanya was determined to keep her word.

With funds cut short...Tanya was left without a van to pick up some campers.

Now she and some volunteers use their vehicles to carpool kids to and from camp.

Tanya says she has received some funding from donations and grants from RRHA and Richmond Parks and Rec, but most of the time, she finds herself dipping into her wallet.

Her dedication to ensuring all kids get a fun, safe summer is why Tanya was nominated for NBC12’s Acts of Kindness.

Watch the big moment below:

Copyright 2023 WWBT. All rights reserved.