In April of 2021, Niah Joye gave away free lemonade to support the Pee Dee Coalition. Donations given to her helped raise funds for the prevention of child abuse. She will have her lemonade stand at 108 Parsonage Street in Bennettsville, beginning at 2 p.m. on Thursday, April 13.
For three years, Niah Joye has taken a stand against child abuse in a simple way – by selling lemonade.
She returns Thursday at 2 p.m. at the Marlboro site of the Pee Dee Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Assault (108 S. Parsonage Street) with Niah’s Lemonade Stand Against Child Abuse.
Joye, a fourth grader, will giveaway regular or pink lemonade for a donation.
In the past, various community officials and members have purchased lemonade from her to help raise funds and awareness for child abuse prevention.
Her grandmother, Sharon Woodham, said since she started the lemonade stands, she has raised more than $3,000 for the Pee Dee Coalition.
Woodham added no one asked Joye to do it.
“She wanted to do it,” Woodham said. “It makes me feel good that she saw something in the work that we do that she wanted to be a part of this experience.”
Joye’s grandmother works at the Marlboro site of Pee Dee Coalition.
The lemonade is free, but if a person wants to donate for the cause, it will be accepted.
Wendy Woods, Marlboro Services coordinator, said they love what she is doing.
“She’s leading her community at her tender age, Woods said. “She does it with pride, and she does it with a great sense of community.”
For more information on child abuse and how to refer a child or adolescent for services, call the Durant Center at 843-664-4357.