More than 20 youngsters attended a fun day Saturday, complete with bowling, pizza, spaghetti and a movie. The day was organized by parents and citizens who are concerned about a possible growing problem with gangs in the Gaffney area.

In hopes of steering teens away from local gang activity, a group of concerned parents and citizens is organizing fun, positive activities for youngsters to help keep them off the streets.

On Saturday, about 20 children were treated to free bowling, pizza, spaghetti and a movie.

“We’re trying it out for the first time and so far it’s going well,” said Audrey Jolly, school resource officer of the Gaffney Police Department.

“It’s working,” Jolly continued about some of the other programs aimed at the at-risk children. “At least they’re trying. They’re making an effort.”

The children bowled at Westlane Bowl with tokens, pizza and drinks to enjoy.

They continued with even more food at Bethel Baptist Church in Gaffney. Evon Leland and Rev. J.W. Sanders Jr. of the church cooked spaghetti for the children.

“Bethel is behind us 100 percent,” Jolly said. “A lot of the boys now go to church. Eight boys have joined Bethel church.”

On a full stomach, the teens went to the Capri Theater in Gaffney for a showing of “Spend Christmas with the Kranks,” a holiday movie featuring Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis.

Jolly said the efforts by local parents and concerned citizens began in January after an escalated amount of violence between groups of young people associated with the East, West and Tank Branch areas of Gaffney raised concerns about gang-related activity.

Parents, pastors and community leaders attended the meetings with the at-risk youth to discuss issues the teenagers face.

Another meeting is scheduled for Dec. 11 with an officer from Richland County’s Gang Task Force. The discussions will begin at 11 a.m. at the Cherokee Alternative School.

The group of concerned parents and other residents has also created regular activities for the children.

“Don’t bring no drama and there won’t be no drama,” Jolly said about the activities. “There will not be any of this East Side, West Side, Tank Branch nonsense.”

Approximately 40 to 50 boys have been attending pick-up basketball games at Gaffney Middle School at 2 p.m., with Jolly and others providing positive messages. They also cook out and Domino’s Pizza has also provided food for the young men.

“The boys came to me and asked for a place to go. Mr. Thompson (Gaffney Middle Principal) allowed us to use the gym. We have a rap session, we sit and talk and give them a positive message,” Jolly said about the Saturday game days, adding that all boys are welcome.

Last Friday was the first meeting for any girls interested in joining a gospel group featuring singers, a step group and inspirational dancers. The group’s hope is to perform at area churches.

Any girls 10 years old or older are welcome to join at the next meeting at 5 p.m. Friday at Westside Full Gospel Church in Gaffney organized by Teresa Jamison.

A talent show featuring Gaffney and Ewing Middle school students is also scheduled for 6 p.m. on Dec. 10 at the Cherokee Alternative School. The event is hosted by Charlotte radio station Power 98 and admission is $5. Special guest performances will feature winners from the talent show held two years ago.

Jolly thanked Allen Southern of Westlane Bowl and Mary and Clyde Hudson of the Capri Theater as well as Ewing Middle School teachers, who donated the food for the children.

Chaperones for the day of fun on Saturday were Jolly, evangelist LaQuandra Brannon and Madelyn Johnson.