Deputy Santoria Young took a break from a busy day protecting and serving the residents of Marlboro County to share a glass of lemonade with them.
Niah Joye and County Services Coordinator Katrina Stephens
Beautiful inside and out, Niah Joye poses beside her lemonade stand
Lauren Monica | Anson Record
MARLBORO COUNTY — Niah Joye held her tenth free lemonade giveaway Thursday afternoon, serving up cups of brightly colored, free lemonade to everyone who stopped by 108 Parsonage Street in Bennettsville as part of her yearly effort to bring awareness to domestic violence during the month of October. The event began at 2 p.m. and at 2 p.m. on the dot, the promise of Niah’s lemonade had already attracted Mayor Tyron Abraham and Deputy Santoria Young.
“I think this is a really great thing that Niah does every year. I tell you what really impresses me is how young Niah was when she started, and to see her now in her fifth year still sticking with it, it is an inspiration,” said the mayor, who also praised the Pee Dee Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Assault for their assistance with the event.
County Service Coordinator Katrina Stephens said Thursday’s event is Niah’s tenth time holding the free lemonade for awareness event.
“She actually holds this event twice a year, in October for Domestic Violence Awareness and then again in April to bring awareness to sexual assault victims,” said Stephens, who had nothing but praise for Niah.
The idea for the lemonade stand came from Niah’s life-long ambition to make and sell lemonade to the masses and her dear friend Wendy Woods who purchased a lemonade stand for her to fulfill her dream. The beverage is a good choice because it is a simple reminder the sours of life don’t have to stay that way; what has been turned sour can be made sweet again with a little extra effort.
“I always wanted to do a lemonade stand when I was little,” says Niah. “Wendy surprised me with a lemonade stand and said we could use it for a good cause,” she shared.
Domestic violence affects both men and women and exists beyond physical abuse. Often, victims are afraid to come forward and seek help, fearing reprisals from their abuser. Anyone who is a victim of domestic violence or knows someone who needs help, the Pee Dee Coalition encourages them to reach out at (843) 669-4600.