National Nonprofit Sends Volunteer Patrols to McColl Amid Community Crisis

A national nonprofit organization is stepping in to provide volunteer patrols in McColl, South Carolina, following the resignation of the town’s entire police force and the recent death of its mayor. The initiative aims to enhance community safety and support the local population of approximately 2,000 residents.

Key Takeaways

The One In Five Foundation for Kids is launching volunteer patrols in McColl.
The initiative follows the resignation of the police force and the death of the mayor.
The foundation has received threats warning them to stay out of the town.
Patrols are modeled after the Guardian Angels anti-crime unit from the 1980s.

Background of the Initiative

The One In Five Foundation for Kids, previously known as the Uvalde Foundation for Kids, was established in response to the tragic mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, in May 2022. The foundation’s mission is to ensure the safety and welfare of children and communities, particularly in times of crisis.

In light of the recent turmoil in McColl, the foundation announced the launch of its STOPNOW citizen patrol teams. These teams are designed to provide a visible presence in the community, focusing on the safety of students and residents.

Community Response and Threats

Despite the foundation’s good intentions, the announcement has been met with hostility. The organization reported receiving a threatening phone call instructing them to “stay out of McColl” and warning of potential consequences if they did not heed the advice. The threat was traced to an unavailable number in a nearby town.

Daniel Chapin, the founder and national director of the foundation, stated, “We don’t know for sure what is happening in McColl but we know that we are committed to helping as we can to ensure the safety and welfare of its students and citizens.” He emphasized that the foundation would not be deterred by the threats and would proceed with their plans to assist the community.

Patrol Details

The initial team of five volunteer patrol members is set to arrive in McColl this week. The foundation plans to recruit and train additional volunteers to expand their efforts. The patrols will focus on:

Conducting community safety patrols.
Engaging with residents to provide support and encouragement.
Minimizing safety incidents, particularly around schools.

The STOPNOW Patrols are modeled after the Guardian Angels, a volunteer group that emerged in New York City in the 1980s to combat crime and enhance community safety. The foundation aims to replicate this model in McColl, fostering a sense of security and community engagement during a challenging time.

Looking Ahead

As the One In Five Foundation for Kids prepares to implement its patrols, the community of McColl remains on edge. The resignation of the police force and the loss of its mayor have left many residents feeling vulnerable. The foundation’s efforts may provide a much-needed sense of safety and support, but the threats against them highlight the complexities of community dynamics in times of crisis.

The foundation is committed to its mission and plans to continue its work in McColl, ensuring that the safety and welfare of the town’s residents remain a priority. As they move forward, the community’s response will be crucial in shaping the future of safety and support in McColl.