MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW)- One group says it want to create positive relationships in the community after the recent violence and deaths in the Myrtle Beach.
This week Horry County students started a new school year and with that came the birth of the “Rock the Stop” event. Each day this week volunteers have greeted students with fresh fruit, donuts, water, and juice at their bus stops.
“It kind of builds relationships with the children in the community and the adults. So, they kind of have a relationship and know who to go to in case something were to happen,” Organizer Alfred Funnye said.
Organizers say they just wanted to do something that built on the other back-to-school events but the reaction from parents and people in the community have caused it exceed expectations.
“The response has been overwhelming honestly but it’s all been positive. It’s just amazing to see a community come together to help with one that cause that was only supposed to be this small but it ended up being so big,” Funnye said.
In addition to providing the kids snacks and breakfast, volunteers also talk to them about their school goals and give them positive words of encouragement.
“They make me have a better day at school because they tell us before we get on the bus, guys have a good day in school. And then I keep remembering it the whole day,” Cadarius McCleoud said.
Those part of the “Rock the Stop” event want to extend the relationships beyond the time spent at the bus stop.
“At the end of the day, this is really about establishing a community and if they see one person doing good, somebody might think it’s cool and decide I kind of want to be like him when I grow up,” Organizer PJ Thomas said.
The response has grown so much that the group has added more bus stops. They are now at 10 stops throughout the Myrtle Beach community.
The “Rock the Stop” event will continue next Monday and Friday. Contact 843-455-9339 to get involved or donate.
