A local man and youth in his summer program are putting on a senior banquet this Saturday to honor seniors and get them involved in the community.

“It’s designed so that we can give back to the seniors in the community and let the seniors know they still matter to us,” said Antwan Robinson, leader of the C.H.O.I.C.E. program. The acronym stands for Children Helping Other Individuals “C” Elevation.

This Saturday’s banquet will take place beginning at 7 p.m. at the Salvation Army, 400 Bank St. Robinson said both C.H.O.I.C.E. participants and other youth will be involved.

“When you’re a part of the community, we all should come together and do things,” Robinson said. “It’s something positive and something from the heart.”

Robinson said the banquet will include a meal, a special speaker, singing, giveaways and more.

He hopes seniors who aren’t able to get out much will be able to come to the event.

“It plays a big part when they see youth catering to them and putting on live performances,” Robinson said. “We have a lot of seniors nowadays that really don’t get these kind of things.”

The youth will do dancing and live performances during the program. Robinson encouraged any pastors or churches who want to participate to call and find out how they can be a part of it or even be a featured speaker.

Robinson said the program will help show young people how to respect seniors.

“Without them, there would be no us,” he said. “I want the seniors to know we still have respectful and good people out here still. I’m still trying to fight to get the community on one accord, so everybody can be respectful to everybody.”

Robinson said young attendees are invited to escort their grandparent or another senior to the event.

“We look forward to the seniors and the youth of the community to be a part of what’s going on,” he said.

Seniors planning to attend should RSVP to Robinson at 510-8939.