King’s Kids celebrates anniversary

Published 9:46 pm Thursday, September 25, 2008

It’s been 19 years since the King’s Kids of America, Inc. was first introduced to the city of Suffolk.

Founded in Suffolk by the late Bishop Obadiah Colander, the organization has become one of the city’s leaders in encouraging student leadership and values for children ages 4 to 17.

To help commemorate the successes of the organization – as well as its longevity in the city – King’s Kids will be throwing an anniversary celebration tomorrow, Sept. 27, at the Heaven on Earth Ministries building located at 510 Pinner St.

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During the celebration, leaders will be naming a king and queen from each of the six sites the organization draws from to honor those students who have gone above and beyond what has been asked of them.

“We’re crowning our king and queen, which means they have made accomplishments and exemplified behavior that we’re trying to promote,” said Brenda Nichols, assistant director for King’s Kids. “They can be proud they have accomplished that. They get to wear a crown and tiara and they march down the aisle. The parents get to see what they have accomplished in their group, and the children look forward to get to do that.”

Also on hand for the celebration will be Suffolk Mayor Linda T. Johnson, who will be giving a speech to the children about their hard work. Nichols said they are looking forward to hearing from the mayor, and that it is important for the children to see that they are being supported from someone as powerful as the mayor of their city.

Throughout the day, there will be drawings for cash prizes as well as bicycles for the children.

While Nichols acknowledged that operating for 19 years is a great accomplishment for the organization, she said the bigger feat is the work they are able to do.

“It’s a good feeling to know that we’re helping the children because there is definite need here.”