2020 LemonAiD fundraiser goes virtual for Salvation Army

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – The Coronavirus pandemic has changed the way nonprofits operate on a daily basis.

Despite that, the work continues and the need to raise money is always ongoing.

This year, the Salvation Army of Lexington had to get creative with their fundraiser to help area women and children in need.

“The Salvation Army has the Hanger Lodge which has for the last 20 years been housing women and children. We have approximately anywhere from 150-200 individuals in there at a given time,” said Maj. William Garrett, with the Salvation Army of Lexington.

Maj. Garrett says the summer months are a particular challenge for them.

“Women that are coming into the lodge are looking to get their lives together from all kinds of situations that put them at a disadvantage. So, things like finding a job and then being able to get to that job,” said Garrett. “There’s also child care challenges.”

The 2020 LemonAiD fundraiser started in 2007 as a way to help.

“We would encourage children and their families to setup lemonade stands,” explained Maj. Garrett.

With the pandemic, things will look a little different this year. LIke so many fundraisers, this one is online.

“They can go to lemonaiddays.org and that’s where they go to sign up. They’ll be given a page to customize and that’s where we launch the campaign for them. And then number two is recruiting people to come to that page,” said Garrett.

Maj. Garrett says it not only raises income for the cause but also gets the community involved.

“It gets young people thinking about how they can help others and includig kids in social causes is an important piece in their development and again, a great way for families to get together as well,” said Garrett.

Anyone interested in creating a virtual lemonaid stand can click HERE and create a fundraising page.

You can also make a donation to LemonAiD via check. Funds will be used to support operational expenses. Checks can be sent to: 736 W. Main St Lexington, KY 40508.