(WCIV) — The Edisto Beach Loggerhead Turtle Project’s Adopt-A-Nest program has taken off. “We did it for fun, but also in memory of my mom and dad who were beach people and brought us to Edisto in the 70s,” said Stacie Story. “Lost dad three years ago during COVID and he would come to Edisto almost every summer.” For the Story family, it was a fun way of getting involved in the community while watching new lives start. “The mother laid her eggs on May 26th and they were hatched on July 15th, just last week,” Story explained when asked what was their favorite part of the process. “So just watching the progression and coming out every day and anticipating the excitement and what’s going on underneath the sand.” For Donna Jones, adopting a sea turtle nest was a way of remembering her nephew, Miles. “He was charming, he was sweet, he was kind. He loved the outdoors, he loved Edisto Beach. He’s been coming here. He came here since he was a baby,” said Jones. At just 18 years old, he nearly died by suicide but miraculously survived. Last year, at 26 years old, he died from a severe seizure disorder that he was left with after his previous suicide attempt. “I happened to see on social media, on Facebook, that they were available for adoption and, you know, I would’ve donated money anyway, but I immediately thought about Miles and what a nice thing it would be to do that in his honor,” said Jones. So far, 138 nests have been found on the town beach this year. To donate to the Edisto Beach Loggerhead Turtle Project, click here. The funding supports the efforts of the volunteer organization to help nesting turtles, hatchlings, and stranded sea turtles make it to the ocean, according to their website. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, you can call 988 to speak with someone or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Categories: News, State Tags: South Carolina