MARION, SC (WBTW) – It was a busy day in Marion on Saturday as local law enforcement hosted a joint event to honor crime victims and also get prescription drugs off of the streets.
More than 100 people participated in the National Crime Victims Week walk to honor the memories of people killed in violent crimes. Some people ran and others walked along the Marion Hike and Bike Trail for two miles. Each runner had their own personal reason for participating.
Alivia Gilchrist said she walked for her mother, who is a victim advocate. Nathaniel Johnson said he walked for his teacher who helped organize the event. Marion County Sheriff Brian Wallace said he was extremely pleased with the turnout and was happy to see the support from the community.
“It was an awesome turnout. We had so many people. Beautiful day. We’re just glad victims’ families were able to come out and do this extra mile for the victims. Let them know we haven’t forgotten about them. We will always be here for them,” said Wallace.
The walk started and ended at the Marion Chamber of Commerce. That’s also where police and deputies stood by to collect residents’ prescription drugs as part of the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. Throughout the afternoon, more than 50 people handed off their unused and expired medications to officers so that they can properly get rid of them and make sure they stay out of the wrong hands and off of the streets. The ultimate goal is to end the opioid epidemic that is currently griping the nation.
At the end of the event, attendees say they left feeling stronger, more informed, and more inspired than when they arrived.
“It felt very empowering to give back. It felt very good actually. It was my first time running,” said Alivia Gilchrist.
The event was sponsored by Trinity Behavioral Care, Sheriff Brian Wallace, Senator Kent Williams and Representative Lucas Atkinson.
