It was one of the hottest days of our summer, and I stopped at what I thought was a lemonade stand. To my surprise, it was an ice cream sandwich cookie stand. He was very polite, made all the ice cream cookies himself, and offered two choices – chocolate chip or sprinkles. Anyone who knows me knows it’s gonna be a hard pick, but I picked sprinkles. I was the first to pick sprinkles he said. Best of all, he was donating his proceeds to the Ronald McDonald House charity.

Having a lemonade stand is a summertime tradition for some. Where I live, at some point during the summer, you are going to come across a stand. Applause to these kids. They could have been at the pool, playing a video game, or chillin’ in the AC. Each one has a story – a mission for their stand. They may have chosen a charity, an animal shelter, or may be saving up for something special.

Remember, it is a lot of work to run a stand, even for just one day. They have to prepare, set up the stand, sit in the hot sun, and have energy and courage. Some are very shy, just like I was and I still am. Try to stop and support these little ones. Your act of kindness by stopping and supporting their stand goes a long way. They will remember you even into adulthood – I remember my first lemonade stand.

Your few minutes talking with them about their stand and its cause does have an impact. How you interact could set the tone on how, and if, they want to do future acts of kindness or good deeds in their future as they grow. So enjoy a little lemonade or cookie this summer and be kind!

And Always Remember to Be Yourself Be Strong And Be Beautiful®

-Alia Renee