Honoring Dr. King through service

Baltimore - In Baltimore some honored Doctor Martin Luther King's legacy through service, reaching out and helping their community.

"I believe in giving back to the community and this is one on the most effective ways to give back to the community, helping my daughter's school out," says Kennita Riddick.

Kennita and her daughters are just three of the 60 strong who came as helping hands to the Mary E. Rodman Elementary School in Baltimore City. Michele Broom, principal of the school, appreciates all the effort.

"They're painting the lockers. They're sprucing up our lavatories for our students. They're helping with cleaning out the stage area. We have a lot of new materials. they're putting together carts. They're doing a lot."

Allstate Insurance Company is sponsoring the event. It's their third annual "Give Back Day." Debbie Pickford, a representative for the company, says, "Allstate Foundation and Allstate Insurance Company believes that on Martin Luther King Day the employees get a free day off to volunteer in their communities all across the country. So that's why we're here in Baltimore today, on this day of service."

Also participating in the event are ten Air Force Airmen from Fort Meade. "It means you can share a gift that you've been given with someone else. And just any opportunity you get to do that is awesome," says Airman First Class Trevor Jones.

Kenyatta Riddick agrees. As a student of Mary E. Rodman Elementary, Kenyatta gets to paint a new look onto her own locker. "It's going to be awesome," she says.

But her mother Kennita knows it means much more. "It's not just a day to rest. But because Dr. King has done so much to get us where we are today, it's important they understand that. And get out and give back."