Memorial Day lemonade stand exceeds fundraising goal

THE WOODLANDS, Texas — Cars filled the lanes on the intersection of Alden Bridge Drive and Crownridge for the fourth annual Wounded Warrior Lemonade Stand on Memorial Day.

The Atkins and Proctor families woke their children at the early hours of the morning and began squeezing lemons with the goal of raising $4,000 for the Wounded Warrior Project. Nigel Atkins and his wife, Lisa Atkins said while the goal was fun for the kids, the important thing was to raise money for a good cause, as well as teaching kids about the meaning of Memorial Day.

“It’s not just a day off to barbecue and hang out by the pool,” Lisa said. “It’s actually about giving back and helping people who really need it, such as the soldiers.”

The service project has grown each year with the help of social media and donations made by local businesses and community members. HEB donated all of the supplies, printing services were provided by The UPS Store, and the Lemonade Stand was donated by The Woodlands Children’s Museum.

“I think just with social media and the community being what it is, I think folks recognize that it is a good cause and a good event, and I like to think that they look forward to it as much as we do,” Nigel said.

The children of the Atkins and Proctor families have their hands on this project just as much as their parents. Lisa said it’s not hard to get their children up early in the morning to get started because they’re so excited about serving their community and country.

“It’s not as if it all starts this morning,” Nigel said. “It all starts about three or four months out, and then of course this entire weekend is just sort of getting ready for Monday, and so when Monday rolls around, they’re ready to go.”

The Atkins and Proctor families hope the event continues to grow, and they plan on serving lemonade on Memorial Day until their kids are grown. Ken Proctor said he hopes to pass this event on to another family with young kids so children in the community can be educated about the meaning of sacrifice and service.

“Memorial Day is not just a day off from school — Memorial day is a day to remember those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for their country, and it’s very important to us that our children understand what that sacrifice means,” Proctor said.

The lemonade stand raised just over $4,000 and are still receiving and accepting donations. To make a donation, visit the link provided below.