UPDATE: Salvation Army kicks off LemonAID to help homeless kids

UPDATE POSTED 8 A.M. TUESDAY, JUNE 29, 2021

LEXINGTON , Ky. (WTVQ) – Some kids are helping other kids in need and Monday they got some help from super heroes and royalty as the Salvation Army kicked off its annual LemonAiD fund raiser at Fayette Mall.

The month-long campaign raises money for the Salvation Army’s homeless kid services.

And it empowers young people to make a change in the community while learning a few business skills.

Being able to do the event in person this year only added to the excitement.

“I think it’s an opportunity for us all to be reminded about while we’re going on with our lives that there are other people who might not be having the same recovery – you know, now we’re thinking about recovery – to have the same kind of recovery. There’s always new challenges and this helps people come together and really think about those things and raise the next generation to be just as active in helping neighbors,” said Major William Garrett, the Salvation Army Area Coordinator for Central Kentucky Area Services.

ORIGINAL STORY POSTED MONDAY, JUNE 28, 2021

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ/Press Release) –  After going virtual in 2020, LemonAiD 2021 will be offered both in-person and virtually starting with a kick-off from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, June 28, at Fayette Mall.

Families can meet superheroes and princesses while they pick up information packets at six locations throughout the mall.

Created by The Salvation Army staff in Lexington, LemonAiD supports local homeless children while empowering young people to make a positive difference in the community.

“We’re excited to offer LemonAiD fund-raising as two different options,” Major William Garrett said. “The children we serve and the children who learn valuable lessons of giving and community will benefit from this added flexibility and opportunity.”

Halfway through the campaign, there will be another event from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. July 16 at The Mall at Lexington Green, where Hank the Horse will be visiting with friends and neighbors.

Local artist Enrique Gonzalez will create a painting on site, and live music also will be featured.

By operating an in-person or virtual LemonAiD stand any time through July 29, Lexington youth will raise money that supports children staying at The Salvation Army.

The annual campaign has been in place since 2007 and raises about $40,000 per year. Those funds help provide shelter, food, educational child care, bedroom furnishings and new school supplies.

Last year, The Salvation Army was a safe haven for more than 1,200 homeless people, including 262 children.

Families can learn how to create a LemonAiD stand at salvationarmylex.org. Businesses also can set up stands or sponsor the program by contacting Krista Whitaker at Krista.Whitaker@use.salvationarmy.org.

Sponsors include Ball Homes, LLC; Central Bank; Highbridge Springs; Kentucky Growers and Southland Bowling Lanes.