4-Year-Old Hosts Lemonade Stand to Support Wounded Warrior Project
Lindenhurst, N.Y. (Aug. 9, 2018) – Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) supporters raise awareness and funds for the organization in many ways and come from all walks of life and age groups. Recently, 4-year-old Jayden Magliaro whipped up some lemonade, iced tea, and baked goods to sell in support of the warriors WWP serves.
“My husband works at a hotel as an overnight engineer, and we often stop by to say hi to him,” said Donna Magliaro, Jayden’s mother. “During one of our visits last year, Jayden got to meet a handful of warriors as they were leaving the hotel for Soldier Ride. They brought him up on the bus and spent time talking with him.”
The moment left a significant impression. Over the course of the next year, Jayden kept asking to help the warriors he met at his father’s hotel.
“I realized this warrior ride was happening again soon and asked Jayden if he still wanted to do something,” Donna said. “We decided to do an iced tea and lemonade sale to raise money for warriors. My mother-in-law helped us by making baked goods, and some of our neighbors dropped off some items to sell as well. It was amazing that the community came together to for this cause.”
With help from a community of supporters like Jayden and Donna, WWP ensures no warrior or caregiver ever feels alone. Each donation – big or small – helps make a life-changing difference in a warrior’s life.
So far, the Magliaros have raised $700, most of which resulted from the lemonade stand.
“When we came to the hotel for Soldier Ride, we brought the service members cases of water, granola bars, and other snacks to send them off,” Donna said. “We presented Wounded Warrior Project with a check for the $600 we had raised at that time. It was a great morning, even if Jayden was a bit shy.”
“We’re super proud of Jayden; he knows the money he’s raised is not for him, but he just wants to do something to help those veterans who got hurt,” Donna said. “There’s only so much a 4-year-old understands, but he’s got a big heart to help others. He says he wants to do it again, and my husband and I totally support that and will do what we can. My hope is that sharing Jayden’s story on the news and Facebook will encourage others to do more to support Wounded Warrior Project and those who need our help.”
To learn more about how WWP directs every dollar donated to transforming the way injured veterans are empowered, employed, and engaged in our communities, visit https://wwp.news/GiveBack.
Contact: Mattison Brooks – Public Relations, mbrooks@woundedwarriorproject.org, 904.451.5590
About Wounded Warrior Project
Since 2003, Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) has been meeting the growing needs of warriors, their families, and caregivers – helping them achieve their highest ambition. Learn more: https://newsroom.woundedwarriorproject.org.