Two local families to host a lemonade stand on Memorial Day

THE WOODLANDS, Texas – On Memorial Day, May 25, two local families will be hosting a lemonade stand to give back to others who have bravely fought for this country. Seven children ranging from the ages of 3 to 19 will be out in the community selling fresh-squeezed lemonade, and 100% of their profits will be given to the Wounded Warrior Project. To hear what the kids have to say about the lemonade stand, watch the video here!

For the fourth year in a row, the Atkins and Proctors are teaming together to give back to a good cause while on a mission to show other kids what Memorial Day is truly about: to remember those who died while serving in our country’s armed forces.

By hosting an annual lemonade stand on Memorial Day, Andrew, Kelsey, and Elizabeth Proctor, and Alex, Justin, Taylor and Grayson Atkins want to show their gratitude for the countless men and women who have served for The United States of America.

The idea of hosting a lemonade stand came about by the Atkins family about six years ago. They would raise money for local causes such as The Houston Zoo, the Humane Society and the Houston Wounded Warrior Project by selling lemonade.

“We just really wanted to teach the kids about giving,” said Lisa Atkins, mother of Alex, Justin, Taylor and Grayson. “It was about showing them what we could do for other people and all the things you can do for the community.”

Then, when the Atkins met the Proctor family, the idea of raising money for the Wounded Warrior Project by selling lemonade only grew. A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the Wounded Warrior Project provides aid, assistance and directed programs to injured service members.

For the past three years of hosting the lemonade stand, the amount of money raised each year continues to increase exponentially. Last year, although it was a very rainy Memorial Day, the kids weathered the elements, held up signs and poured lemonade for the many people who still came out to support them. Soaked from the rain, the Atkins and Proctors raised over $3,200.

“We were out there in the rain for a long time,” said 11-year-old Alex Atkins. “People still came out though!”

Preparation for the lemonade stand takes about six weeks in order to get everything set up and ready to go. With supplies kindly donated by H-E-B and printing services provided by The UPS Store, a lot of time and effort goes into making the lemonade stand a success.

“These kids are involved all the way through. They do all the work, they squeeze all the lemons, and they are filthy and tired by the time they are done,” said Nigel Atkins, father of the Atkins children. “They learn the value of hard work and ethics as well, and see the business aspect of it. The end product is the contribution made to the Wounded Warrior Project.”

The Atkins and the Proctors hope that by hosting this lemonade stand each year, it will teach other children the meaning of Memorial Day and the importance of helping others in need. In fact, some of the kids admit that four years ago, they weren’t sure of the meaning of the holiday themselves. When asked what Memorial Day was prior to the annual lemonade stand, some of the answers included “I don’t know,” and “A day off from school.” Now, they have grasped the meaning of what the fourth Monday of May stands for, with the hope to share that knowledge with other children.

“We absolutely want to keep doing this each year,” said Ken Proctor, father of Andrew, Kelsey and Elizabeth. “We have set the bar higher every single year and we want to continue to do that.”

The mission for the lemonade stand is simple, and described best by 10-year-old Justin Atkins.

“Our goal this year is to raise $4,000 and to help kids know the meaning of Memorial Day,” said Justin. “I think people should come out this year so they can see us trying to help wounded warriors and to raise money for them.”

From noon to five, you can catch these hardworking kids out in the community in order to raise money for wounded veterans. The lemonade stand will be located at the intersection of Crownridge Drive and Alden Bridge Drive, across from the Spring Hill Neighborhood. A small lemonade costs $0.75 and a large costs $1.25, and of course other donations are always welcome. Donations can also be made at the Atkins and Proctor's Wounded Warrior Project donation page here, or at the link provided below. Veterans are invited to swing by to enjoy some free lemonade!

“It’s fun to see that everyone comes out for us because we are raising money, and I feel happy when I see everybody supporting the cause,” said 10-year-old Elizabeth Proctor. “Instead of watching television and sleeping in at home, I know I’m helping my country and I feel really good about that.”

Be sure to swing by the Proctor and Atkins family lemonade stand on Memorial Day to grab a refreshing drink, while also helping these local children raise money for the Wounded Warrior Project!

#WoundedWarriorProject