CHESAPEAKE, Va. -- It’s a gift of opportunity for two local teenagers.
“It feels good because I don’t have to depend on anyone’s lawnmower. I got my own!” said 17-year-old Demario Locus.
And it came from an unexpected place: Four inmates at the Buckingham Correctional Center in Dillwyn, Virginia.
WTKR talked to one of the men over the phone Thursday.
LeMar Anderson has been in prison for 22 years. He says these lawnmowers are more than just a gift.
“Hopefully give some kids the opportunity to do some things for the summertime that will keep them from getting into some mischief or down the wrong path,” said Anderson.
Or ending up behind bars like he did.
So, he and the other inmates decided to save up and donate lawnmowers, gas tanks, branded t-shirts, and businesses cards to the teens to help them start their own businesses.
“I’m doing something productive!” said Locus.
It feels good because I’m my own business owner,” said the other teenager, Malik A.
LeMar had some advice for the two in a letter he wrote them.
“Think of this as a way to make some money the right way - and avoid some of the same mistakes that I am in and avoid some of the places I am in.”
