Girls sell lemonade to raise money for charities

PRATTVILLE, Ala. | A neighborhood lemonade stand has turned out to be much more than a way for some kids to make extra money. It has become a way for them to give back to the community.

Kim Kervin said her daughters, Maggie and Mylee, have been operating the lemonade stand from their Prattville home throughout the summer, collecting proceeds for a different charity each time.

Last week they chose to have the proceeds go toward supplying books at Prattville Primary School in honor of Lynetta Bolden, a teacher at the school who recently was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Kervin said that effort, which took place July 21, raised about $1,000.

"It's amazing," Kervin said. "People want to support a good cause."

Kervin said Maggie, 7, and Mylee, 6, started out with a modest profit of about $30. A second effort netted them about $90. Business boomed to about $700 on their third attempt.

Kervin said the jump in sales came because the local Party Palace in Prattville got involved, providing costumed guests at the lemonade stand.

"They're getting to see princesses and superheroes," Kervin said.

While past sales have gone mostly toward assisting projects at Children's Hospital in Birmingham, last week's was devoted to a cause much closer to home.

Bolden has not taught either of the Kervin girls, but she heard about Maggie from another teacher and has become familiar with her.

"Maggie (feels) a close relationship with Mrs. Bolden," Kervin said.

When the girls found out about Bolden's diagnosis, they decided to make their most recent lemonade operation all about her.

"I had tears of joy; I was overwhelmed," Bolden said. "Even taking the time out to do it, it just shows their love. I am so grateful."

Bolden, who was one of about 100 people to visit the lemonade stand last week, said she was impressed with the girls' resolve.

"They could want things for themselves," she said. "But those girls have a big heart."

Books recently were purchased for Prattville Primary School with the lemonade stand proceeds, and Bolden will insert notes of encouragement in each one, a reflection of her time dealing with the cancer diagnosis.

"I could not have made the journey without the support of friends and family," Bolden said. "It's hard, and you have to be around positive people."

Kervin said she came up with the idea of donating the money, but it has been the girls' decision as to which causes will benefit.

The family is taking a break in August, but plan to do another charity lemonade stand in September. Kervin said they may continue through the fall and winter, when cider and cocoa will take the place of the lemonade.

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Information from: Montgomery Advertiser, http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com