SCOTTSBORO, Ala. – Emouree Johnson, 8, started selling lemonade earlier this year to raise money for her mother’s tombstone. On Saturday, she decided to raise funds again, but this time to help others.
Johnson first captured the community’s attention in April when she set up a lemonade stand to fund a headstone for her mother, Karli, who passed away in March at the age of 29. A headstone was later donated and placed at her mother’s grave.
This month, Johnson, along with her family and friends, is running a stand selling lemonade, hot chocolate, and peanut brittle. All the proceeds will go towards Christmas charities to ensure other kids receive gifts.
The idea for the stand came when Johnson’s grandmother took her to register for a Christmas charity.
“There were a lot of people there, so I just wanted to help out,” Johnson said in an interview with News 2’s sister station, WHNT. “I knew it would cost a lot of money. I just wanted to help.”
Like most children, Johnson has a list of gifts she hopes to receive, including hoodies, sweatpants, and Nike socks. But she also wants other children to have presents.
“I just think every kid deserves a good Christmas,” Johnson explained.
Even after the painful loss of her mother, Johnson continues to show incredible maturity for her age. Her grandmother, Jennifer Bordner, expressed gratitude for the community’s support during their hardest time and said it feels good to give back.
“They helped us in our worst time,” Johnson shared. “I wanted to show our thanks and appreciation. There are kids who need help from the community.”
