LONGS, SC (WBTW) – One local woman in Longs is working to establish a positive reputation for the Freemont Community by hosting free cookouts and mentoring youth, following the string of crimes including several robberies and a murder that occurred in Longs two weeks ago.
On Wednesday night, Donella Patrick hosted one of her many cookouts and community events at her mother’s old arcade building, which she has turned into a community center.
“This building has been here for quite a while, and she just had it kept closed. I decided to come over here and just use it for youth and even fundraisers,” Patrick said.
Patrick’s main goal is to encourage the local children to stay away from crime and to dream big.
“I’m hoping that they won’t turn to the streets and everything; I’m hoping that they’re gonna take into consideration of having more knowledge than the street knowledge,” Patrick said.
In addition to the free food, Patrick also gave out toiletries and school supplies to the children who came to the cookout.
“I just wanted the youth to come out and see it’s positive things out here,” Patrick said. “You don’t have to feel left out. There’s potential in every child we have in this community.”
