Tired of the recent violence in the city of Warren, the Southwest Neighborhood Association is starting a red ribbon campaign.
Organizers said they are going to tie red ribbons on all the trees in the area as a reminder of the blood that has been shed on the southwest side.
So far this year, there have been nine murders in Warren. And on Saturday, the body of 23-year-old Donovan Toles was found in a wooded area on the southwest side. The coroner's office said he was shot multiple times.
"We want it to stop, and we want the community to come behind us as a whole, as well as the families of individuals that lost their lives due to violent crimes to help us stop it," said Rhonda Bennett, of the Southwest Neighborhood Association.
Family members and friends of Toles tied the ribbons around some trees Thursday afternoon and are urging everyone to help stop the violence.
They want the community to report suspicious activity to police and help educate teenagers about the dangers of illegal drugs.
"If we can save one life we've done something or stop one kid from getting involved in these things, we will accomplish something," said Walter Toles, a relative of Donovan Toles.
Area clergy said they need to try and reach the teenagers.
"We got to get outside the church, and we got to get in the streets sometimes and let them know we are concerned about them, and when they see we are willing to get out there and help them, maybe they will start respecting their own lives a great deal better," said Pastor William Barnes.
A vigil will be held 6 p.m. Friday at New Freedom Missionary Baptist Church on Tod Avenue. The vigil will be for all victims of violent crimes, including Toles.
