A Piedmont Heights lemonade stand staffed by five kids today aims for a little more than ice cream money. They're aiming for diapers school Supplies
They're aiming for diapers and school supplies -- for families in Iraq.
Jodi Stauber, stationed with the Duluth-based 148th Fighter Wing at Sather Air Base in Baghdad, recently wrote to her sister-in-law, Jessica Stauber, about the plight of nearby Iraqi refugee families.
The families rely heavily on donations, she said, and there are several babies in the area.
"We brought some diapers, but not enough for all," she said. "Two of the moms were left crying and pointing to the infant's diaper and saying 'No more.' I felt so helpless."
She requested that her family help by gathering and sending supplies she would hand-deliver to families.
Jessica Stauber enlisted the help of her neighbor, Beth Olson, who went to high school with Jodi Stauber. The moms and their kids went to work baking watermelon-shaped sugar cookies and decorating them with frosting and chocolate chips. Proceeds will go toward diapers and wipes, new school clothes and school supplies.
"It's a pretty rare opportunity when you're able to help someone in another country in a way you know what you're intending to give is going directly to them," Jessica Stauber said.
Olson has family members who have served in Iraq, and she said the displaced families are in circumstances beyond their control.
""Whether you are in support of the war or not, it's nice to be able to help people who are affected by this," she said.
The kids, who had been eager all summer to have a lemonade stand, were pleased to have a noble reason, Jessica Stauber said, and connecting their aunt and friend to the cause made it more tangible.
"The things she's doing over there are amazing," Olson said.
Credit: Duluth News Tribune, Minn.
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