JERSEY CITY – The famine and strife in the east African country of Somalia is getting a helping hand from some very caring and resourceful Jersey City kids.
Lemon-Aid for Relief, a homemade lemonade stand run by Jersey City kids, is raising money through Sunday, Aug. 14 for relief in Somalia while bringing cool refreshing relief for thirsty customers.
The lemonade stand was inspired and created by 7-year-old downtown resident Jordan-River Samuel who was moved to action after reading a New York Times article about the strife in the east African region.
“I read in the newspaper that these bad people were keeping the Somalis in a camp and wouldn’t let them get any food,” said Jordan-River. “They needed help.”
The Somali famine also affected Samuel personally, who said he now has a new outlook on the food he eats and wastes.
“I learned that I shouldn’t waste when my mom gives me food to eat because a lot of other people don’t have any.”
All proceeds from the lemonade stand will go toward organizations providing food, shelter and resources in the region, including So Send I You, a non-profit group on the ground in Africa.
Lemon-Aid for Relief is located at 296 Sixth St., between Coles Street and Monmouth Street just one block east of the Holy Rosary Italian Festival, in downtown Jersey City. The stand will be open Aug. 12 through 14 from 5 to 11 p.m. The concession sells homemade lemonade with a variety of real fruit add-ins, including strawberries, juicy oranges, and fresh basil.
Samuel’s mother, Felicia Palmer, estimated the stand made $65 to $70 the first night it was open, which was Aug. 11.
Samuel is staffing the stand with the help of his friends — and parental assistants, of course.
Visit the stand on the way to La Festa Italiana!
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