INDIANAPOLIS -- Students across Indianapolis will soon be joined at their bus stops by clergy members and other volunteers after a string of robberies targeting children.

The new initiative, called Cross Walk, was developed by area clergy and youth organizations in response to more than a dozen robberies at bus stops on Indianapolis' east and northeast sides Jan. 22, 6News' Jennifer Carmack reported.

"This is something that never needs to happen again," said Save the Youth founder Byron Alston. "Young people need to feel safe. It's important they get their education and it's important that they feel safe."

Starting Monday, 20 ministers and other volunteers will work in two-person teams, working with Indianapolis police to rove between bus stops in the areas where the robberies happened. Alston said the volunteers will keep a watchful eye every morning through the end of the school year.

"We love them. It's our job in this society to protect them and we're going to protect them," said Lionel T. Rush of the Concerned Clergy.

Cameron Johnson, 17, has been charged as an adult in two of the bus stop robberies. Police said he threatened students at gun point and demanded they hand over electronics, cash and shoes.

Marion County Prosecutor Carl Brizzi, who applauded the Cross Walk program, also issued a stern warning for two other people police said they were looking for in connection with the robberies.

"We are looking for you. We know who you are and if you turn yourself in we will take that into consideration," he said. "If you make us spend the money and the time to find you we will take that into consideration."

Anyone interested in volunteering with the Cross Walk program is asked to call the prosecutor's office at 317-327-5641. All volunteers will be subject to background checks.