Tuesday, March 15, 2016

A Lemonade Stand for Moms + Kids in Need


We feel so lucky to live in a home where we have a safe and comfortable place to sleep, good food to eat, and clothes to wear. I want to teach my 3 year old, Tatum to be grateful for these basics, and realize that not every little girl has so much! Together, we decided to earn some money and give it to moms and kids who need the money more than we do. I found a local safe house for women and kids called Next Door Solutions to Domestic Violence where they accept cash donations.


With an abundance of fresh lemons in our backyard, we invited some friends over to first make fresh squeezed lemonade, and then sell it on a popular river trail.  The girls picked the lemons, carried them inside, and then juiced about 2 cups of lemon juice all on their own, taking turns between each lemon. They added the sugar and the water, and Claire worked on the sign! 



The kids did such a great job telling passerby about their lemonade.  It was so fun to watch them become more confident with time, using their loud voices to announce, “Fresh lemonade!  Lemonade for sale!  The money goes to moms and kids who need the money more than we do!!!”  Lots of people walked right past, but lots of people also stopped to talk with us.  One man complimented the girls on their efforts to help other people and look outside themselves.  Paraphrased, he said, “In this world we live in, it is so important to help people who have real needs.  I am so happy that the next generation is learning to help too.  It is pretty easy to just to think about yourself, so it is nice to see you kids thinking about other people instead.” 


There wasn’t a fixed price per (Dixie) cup, but we did ask for a donation to our cause.  Thanks to some generous donors, the kids raised $29.45 in an hour of selling.  We spend most days running errands and playing at the park, so getting outside for an activity with a greater purpose was refreshing for everyone involved! And the lemonade wasn't bad either!




It feels good to help others, and I’m happy Tatum could experience how it feels to serve others with her time, talents, and the money she raised with her friends.