By Beth David, Editor
Jaylen Lussier is a girl on a mission. Ever since she had her tonsils out at Boston Children’s Hospital when she was six, the nine-year-old has wanted to help the other children she met there.
“I saw a lot of sick kids there,” said Ms. Lussier. “The kids were very sick and needed things, so I wanted to help them.”
Jaylen Lussier staffs her lemonade stand benefiting Boston Children’s Hospital at the Outdoor Movie Night at Livesey Park in Fairhaven on Saturday, 7/21/18, while her friend Tori stands off to the side to avoid the limelight. Photo by Beth David.
She settled on lemonade, and has been selling the refreshing beverage all around town, with all proceeds going to BCH.
She started out at her house, and got discovered by John Appleton of Mahoney’s Building Supply, who promptly invited Jaylen to set up shop there. So, they became mobile, said Jaylen’s dad Jarrod.
He said the person who ran the yard at Mahoney’s sent all the contractor’s to Jaylen’s stand, and they were very generous. They also got a matching donation, bringing her total to $1,080 just that day. So far, they have raised well over $2,000.
They also went to Trenz salon, which is owned by a family member, and have been to a few other places. The Neighb News caught up with the moving target at the Outdoor Movie Night on Saturday.
Jaylen’s friend Tori was with her on Saturday. She said that she knew about the effort and decided to help her do it because it’s a good cause.
L-R: Jaylen Lussier poses with her grandparents, Norman and Bevy Lussier while selling lemonade to benefit Boston Children’s Hospital on Saturday, 6/30, at Mahoney’s Building Supply. Submitted photo.
Ms. Lussier tries to have a friend with her at each selling day, and a parent, of course. But her father said he does not want to book her for every weekend.
“We (he and his wife Brandy) want her to still be a kid,” he said.
Mr. Lussier said that it was all Jaylen’s idea, and both her parents were “overwhelmed” by her sympathy and empathy.
“My kid is so awesome,” said Mr. Lussier. “We’re just so proud of her. She has the biggest heart.”
To learn more about “Jaylen Stands for the Kids” and find out where she will be next, visit her Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Jaylen-Stands-for-the-Kids-312679319268974/
To donate online, visit her BCH fundraising page: http://fundraise.childrenshospital.org/site/TR?px=1625831&fr_id=1660&pg=personal
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Click here to download the entire 7/26/18 issue: 07-26-18 OutdoorMovie
