This summer she continues her ministry by providing a summer camp at her residence at 812 Vance Street.
“It was like feeding my own family,” Robinson, who operates Lighthouse Ministries under the umbrella of Trinity at Crossroads, said today. “It gave me joy because it gave them joy.”
(While Robinson has many donations for the camp already set, she said she is especially in need of toilet paper, hand sanitizers and tissues as well any board games and gently used sporting equipment like balls and bats. For more information call her at 571-233-7445 or leave donated items at her house)
With food left over from the Thanksgiving feast, she began ministering to the residents of Carolina Inn.
While met with misgiving about going to the Jackson Street motel, Robinson said, “God said feed the people.”
Carolyn Hardy was one of the people Robinson helped. “I was homeless,” she said. “We fixed up an abandoned trailer and when I got the big check from Sleep Inn we lived at the Carolina Inn.”
It was Robinson, Hardy said, who helped her family find a rental house.
Robinson said she received a blessing from helping the Hardy family. “They've been an inspiration to me. They've taught me people can change.”
Hardy plans to help Robinson with the camp. “She has built up my self-esteem and has made me more positive about myself.”
There will be three parts to the camp, the first sessions from June 13 to July 1; the second from July 5 to July 8 and the third from July 18 to 29.
“My goal is to bring family and neighbors together,” she said. “The goal is our children so they are not preyed upon and help make it a nicer place for them.”
She has already enlisted the help of neighbors, ministers, friends, and city agencies to help with the camps. “The police and fire department are going to help. The school is going to bring breakfast.”
She has gathered those who can teach the children arts and crafts, gardening and cooking as well as sports.
The children will visit Emry Park to make use of its equipment and her neighbors are going to teach them how to make videos. “We're going to have walks on the Canal Trail and teach them history of things in town.”
Robinson said the camp will be able to accommodate 25 to 30 children. “I have no idea how many might come.”
She has lined up both adult and youth volunteers.
Robinson was the first person Johnny King met when he moved from Baltimore. “Ms. Robinson has a lot of heart and points me in the right direction. She's my grandmother down here.”
King has pledged to help with the camp in any way he can, especially with video production and digital photography, which he has already done with his daughter.
“She's like another grandmother to me,” said Clarence Majette. “Anything I can do, I'm willing to help out.”
Djae Plum is friends with Robinson's son. “She's a sweet lady and he's been like an uncle. I do want to help. I really want to do music.”
For Tanjie Crew, Robinson's daughter-in-law, there's no question about helping. “She's a wonderful person. She goes over and beyond.”
