According to Mrs. Logan, why do R.W. and Melvin hang out with T.J.? Why does T.J. hang out with them?

From the text:

1) 'I don't really know, Cassie,' she said, turning to the stove to stir milk into the butter beans. ‘They may just want him around because it makes them feel good.'

2) 'Well, you told me Jeremy said they were laughing at T.J. behind his back. Some folks just like to keep other folks around to laugh at them ... use them.'