Lemonade for a Cause

Jaxson Turner with Plano Mayor Harry LaRosiliere // photos Joshua Baethge

While many people were relaxing Saturday morning, Renner Middle School seventh-grader Jaxson Turner was busy helping his community. For the second summer in a row, the 12-year-old set up a lemonade stand to raise money for disadvantaged students.

“I wanted to do this for the unfortunate kids in Collin County,” Jaxson said. “I wanted to help the ones who can’t afford school supplies. “

Joining him this year was Plano Mayor Harry LaRosiliere. Jaxson actually reached out to him to attend last year, but the mayor was traveling.

“He came back again this year, and I really wanted to support him,” Mayor LaRosiliere said.

Jaxson Turner // photos Joshua Baethge
Jaxson Turner // photos Joshua Baethge

According to Jaxson’s mother LaKeicee Turner-Sazy, her son came up with the idea on his own. When he was 10 years old, he noticed some classmates seemed embarrassed by not having the same things other students had. This led him to establish the non-profit N2Y2C, which stands for  “Never Too Young To Care.”

“I cry every day just looking at him,” a proud LeKeicee said. “Everybody is going through something, and he’s just trying to help as best he can, for as many as he can.”

Jaxson’s efforts last year helped 110 Collin County students get backpacks, school supplies and back-to-school haircuts. This year he set a new goal of 125 students. The day before the lemonade stand, Jaxson spoke in front of the American Legion Auxiliary. He left with $6,000 for his cause.

Plano Mayor LaRosiliere (left) and McKinney Mayor Fuller (right)
Plano Mayor LaRosiliere (left) and McKinney Mayor Fuller (right)

“We are going to find ways to let more people know about him because he’s a great role model, not only for kids but also adults,” Mayor LaRosiliere said.

He was not the only city leader to take note. McKinney Mayor George Fuller and his wife Maylee were on hand Saturday to lend their support as well. Richardson Mayor Paul Voelker also called Jaxson to offer his encouragement.

Jaxson plans to continue finding ways to help the disadvantaged. He says he enjoys school – particularly computers – and just may want to be president one day.

Visit Jaxson’s lemonade stand 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday, July 20 outside Elite Kutz at 3131 Custer Road in Plano. Cost is $2 per cup.

N2Y2C >

 

Jaxson’s Lemonade Stand
3131 Custer Rd
Plano, TX 75075

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