Children at Daycare Build a Lemonade Stand to Help Hawaii

By Chris LaClair
EAGLE TIMES SPORTS EDITOR
CLAREMONT — Leah Couture, owner of Couture’s Corner Childcare, and her friend Janette Coombs, were talking about all the bad things in the world and all the tragedies that have happened recently. Coombs came up with a brainstorm to create a lemonade stand to help the families and businesses in Maui, Hawaii, who were affected by the recent devastating wildfire.

Couture got right on it. She and the children at the center decorated cups and a lemonade stand and opened for business from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Aug. 22. The older children served the thirsty customers and the adults even did deliveries around Claremont.

She said about 40 customers — ranging from neighbors, a New Hampshire State Police officer, and city workers — helped raise $334 dollars that the children will donate to the Manchester Chapter of the American Red Cross relief programs for Hawaii.

“We made a big difference with just a lemonade stand,” Couture said. “Something small can make a big impact. It was an amazing turnout.

Aniyah Marsh, 5, of Claremont, put some money from mom, Mariza, into the stand’s donation basket.

“I love it,” Mariza Marsh said. “One of my kids is doing it.”

One visitor was Bonnie Miles, Claremont, who said she stopped “because I saw all of the cars” and was curious. She lined up for a lemonade knowing her donation was going to a good cause.

“It made my heart burst watching the kids I care for make a difference.” Couture said. “They were well-behaved and had a blast. I want to thank the community – we have great people here.”

The kids sold out of the 20 gallons of fresh-squeezed lemonade they had prepared for the day (along with some help from Conture).

If you would like to donate to American Red Cross directly, go to https://www.redcross.org/donate/donation.html/.

For more information on Couture’s Corner Childcare, please visit their Facebook page at facebook.com/ccc2015lpc.