Author: Tammy Lane • First Posted: Monday, July 06, 2009

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Capt. Karen Chamberlain of The Salvation Army and a Harrison Elementary second-grader keep watch over the cake at the LemonAiD Days kickoff.

The Salvation Army’s LemonAiD Days boils down to kids helping kids – at least that’s how Lindsey Ross sees it.

Lindsey, a rising seventh-grader at Tates Creek Middle School, is in her third summer of participating in the fundraiser. The concept is simple: Students set up lemonade stands sometime during July, and the proceeds go to the Main Street emergency shelter for homeless children.

“I’ve seen the shelter and know a lot of people who live there. I feel sorry for them because they don’t have enough money or can’t get back on their feet,” Lindsey said at the kickoff event in Cheapside Park.

She admits she’s been involved partly because her mother is a program assistant for The Salvation Army. But Lindsey also recognizes the value of and need for such community service. “Someday it may be you there, and you’d want somebody to help you out,” she said.

Dozens of children and supporters gathered at the park to launch LemonAiD Days, which runs July 4-30. Mayor Jim Newberry urged everyone to support their cause.

“Buying a cool glass of lemonade can really make a difference in the lives of women and children seeking shelter,” Newberry said, adding, “It’s a great opportunity for kids to learn how to help others.”

Like Lindsey, Angela Marshall is a veteran of this event.

“I just like helping other kids and sharing with other people who need clothes and food and shelter,” said Angela, a rising eighth-grader at Lexington Traditional Magnet School, who served as emcee at the kickoff.

Last year, nearly 2,200 children participated and raised $23,256; corporate sponsors donated an additional $20,000. The Salvation Army used the money for operational expenses associated with housing children such as food, lodging, diapers, clothing, child care and professional case management.

“(LemonAiD Days) empowers kids and teaches them entrepreneurship. It’s also about giving back and making a difference in their community and in the lives of kids their same age,” said Rayann White, development coordinator.

There are virtually no restrictions on participants. Students can sign up throughout July and run their lemonade stands for an hour, a day, a weekend – whatever suits them. They can mix up iced pitchers or hand out cold cans of lemonade. They can set a price per cup or simply ask for contributions.

Austin Applegate, who will be in seventh grade at Edythe J. Hayes Middle School, plans to set up his lemonade stand after returning from Boy Scout camp. He said the effort is worthwhile because it bolsters Lexington’s less fortunate residents.

“It helps give people who are homeless the courage and strength to get back up on their feet,” Austin said. “It helps the people who aren’t as lucky as you get the life they want.”

How to help: 

Families and group leaders may register children at any of the following locations:

• www.lemonaiddays.org/
• The Salvation Army, 736 W. Main St.
• Whitaker Bank (Lexington and Georgetown locations)

LemonAiD kits include an identification badge and a poster for the stand. Kids are encouraged to decorate with balloons and streamers to attract attention and to set up in locations with lots of foot traffic.

All participants are invited to a closing rally from 4 to 7 p.m. July 30 at Fayette Mall, where students will deposit their proceeds in The Salvation Army’s giant red kettle.

For more information, call Rayann White at (859) 252-7706, ext. 117, or e-mail her at rwhite@salvationarmylex.org.