WATERVLIET, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Kids in one Watervliet home are serving their community once again, with lemonade. The Charity Lemonade Stand has been raising money for different causes for the past nine years.
“Every year they work super hard for this. It’s like their favorite week of the year, and I think it's very exciting for them leading up to it," said Crystal Staccio, the organizer of the lemonade stand.
It's a tradition that started in honor of Crystal's grandmother, who had been in hospice care at the time.
“She always taught us how important it was to give back, and she was just the most caring and kindest person and would give you the shirt off her back," said Staccio.
This year, the money raised will go to the Ronald McDonald House. This charity is known for helping hospitalized children be with their families.
“We’ve had personal experiences with them, my family and I, and they’re just an amazing organization, so we wanted to give back," said Staccio.
Throughout the day, plenty of customers came to help make that happen. One customer, Timothy Cavanaugh, has been living in Watervliet his entire life and said he loves supporting his community.
"I come every year, great group of kids, great causes they’re raising money for, and I always make it a point to stop," said Cavanaugh.
Last year, the charity raised just under $700. This year, Staccio said with the questionable weather, they hope to raise $300.
“We’re halfway to our goal already, and we just opened at 10 a.m.," said Staccio. "
As for the kids, they told NEWS10 they make lemonade to support those around them.
"Because it helps people who are in need," said Declan Halliday, an 8-year-old lemonade stand worker.
"I feel like we're raising a really good next generation of kids, so I’m very proud of them," said Staccio.
This community-staple lemonade stand will be up and running until 6 p.m. on Thursday and back open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday as well.
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