Kids From Bangor, Maine Run Lemonade Stand For 6th Year To Raise Money For Charity

This Friday, August 8th, if you turn down Ohio Street onto 15th Street in Bangor, you'll see a group of kids selling treats and lemonade. While this might seem like a typical summertime activity to some, this is the 6th year in a row these kids have operated this particular stand. And what you might not know is that if you stop and buy a snack or a cup, it's not just going to put a smile on the face of those particular kids; you're also supporting some great local charities!

This all started several years ago when Alexa Vickerson, who was 8 years old at the time, was watching holiday movies with her mom, Chelsea. Alexa made the comment that she wanted to spread joy, like Santa, and give toys to kids at Christmas.

Read More: Local Girl Spreads Holiday Cheer With Toys, Just Like Santa!

So she decided to ask friends and family to help her raise some money to buy toys for kids in need. And the first year, she raised almost $200. She went with her family and purchased some toys, and delivered them to a local Toys for Tots drop-off location.

The experience was so positive, she started to tell her friends all about it, and they wanted in on the action, as well. So the group grew to include Alexa's little sister, her former neighbors and and some friends, Aubrey Lowe,  Brennan & Noah Owens, and Wilder and Violet Edward.

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The kids devised a plan to fundraise throughout the year, the best way a group of elementary kids knows how; they'd host a lemonade stand or two the following summer.

Each year since they started, they've set up their stand, and in a short amount of time, they've made anywhere from $1,000 to $2,000.

At the end of the fundraising effort, they divvy up the money they raised to different local charities (usually they split it between the Good Shepard Food Bank, the Bangor Humane Society, Toys for Tots, and St. Jude's Children's Hospital) and go shopping for toys to donate to kids in need at the holidays!

Alexa, who started the fundraising trend all those years ago, says it just feels good to help.

"You don’t have to be big to do big things..I continue to do this because it makes me happy that I can help kids on Christmas. What I like most about it is the feeling I get when I donate them."

Alexa's dad, Frank Vickerson, says it's neat to see how one kid has inspired others to do good things, and by working together, they have put forward such a genuine effort, year after year, for such great causes.

“It has been amazing to watch this grow over the past years. To watch it grow from one kid to the great group they have formed has been amazing to watch. To see the enthusiasm these kids have for doing something to help others is inspiring.”

Brennan Owens, who, along with her brother, Noah,  has been part of this group since it began, says she looks forward to these lemonade/treat sales every year, but the most fun they have is when they buy the toys for the kids with the money they've made.

"Christmas is about giving, and so with this we give as much as possible, knowing we get nothing in return, and it’s a great feeling!”

Her mom, Logan Owens, says she's been impressed by the effort, year after year.

"It has been so inspiring to watch their creativity come through as they create unique ways to fundraise. What was started as a fun challenge has grown into something they care deeply about. They have an absolute desire to make a difference and support a wide range of causes. The way they want to help others is absolutely inspiring.”

Their goal this year is to hit the $2,000 mark.

The lemonade/treat stand will run from 11 AM to 2 PM on Friday, August 8th, at 11 Fifteenth Street in Bangor, if you'd like to visit them.

They accept cash or Venmo through Alexa's mom's account.