Lemonade and hot chocolate stand caters to students
As the winter months approach, the local lemonade stand on Reino Road transitions to a hot cocoa cart. Sarah Smith, along with her 9-year-old daughter Andreen Smith and 5-year-old son Elliot Smith, sells beverages in order to raise funds for Miracles for Kids. Miracles for Kids, a non-profit based on the West Coast, provides monthly financial aid as well as assistance during the holiday season to families with children diagnosed with an illness, such as cancer.
Over the past two months, during soccer games, lunchtimes and the afterschool rush, the Smith family has raised money and awareness for Miracles for Kids. This year, the Smith family decided to “adopt a family” through Miracles for Kids and give a family a tree full of gifts for Christmas.
The decision to get involved through this Miracles for Kids was inspired by the help the Smith family was given several years ago. During 2020, Elliot Smith, the youngest child of the Smith family, was diagnosed with cancer which led to financial hardship for their family. Throughout the course of his treatment, Miracles for Kids stepped in to provide their family with support. “They went ahead and they provided [gifts] for us, along with monthly help of $500 and that’s just from donations from people,” Sarah Smith said.
During Elliot Smith’s time at the Los Angeles Children’s Hospital, the staff gave the Smith family nonprofits that could potentially help them out as their son went through treatment. “I [didn’t] know if we [could] afford to get Christmas presents [that] year and Miracles for Kids dropped off four large boxes of gifts for our whole family,” Sarah Smith said.
Selling lemonade and hot chocolate is much more than just earning money for gifts; it is also spreading joy to another family who they can sympathize with. “We think it’s important that [the kids] learn about giving back as well, because they’ve been given so much,” Sarah Smith said.
On warm school days, the family can be found selling lemonade made from organic sugar and freshly squeezed lemons. “When we say it’s $4, it’s because we put good ingredients in it,” Sarah Smith said. Similarly, their hot chocolate is made with whole ingredients. “In our hot chocolate, we use Ovaltine and cocoa powder with whole milk and cream mixture,” Sarah Smith said.
Those looking for a hot or cold beverage after school can consider contributing to the Smith’s cause. “I think it’s important for us to realize that not all of us are as fortunate as others, and that even if it’s giving a couple dollars [that] can go a long way, and can provide a family with a bit of happiness during the holidays,” Sarah Smith said.
