Local Lemonade Coalition warms hearts with hot chocolate stand

A group of local kids turned in their lemonade for hot chocolate, as they set up shop on 86th Street on Friday, December 9 to raise money for a local not-for-profit organization to provide toys for underprivileged children during the holiday season.

The team of do-gooders, who have dubbed themselves the Lemonade Coalition, set up outside GameStop on 86th Street, and raised $300 during the evening, selling the hot chocolate which had been donated by the Bay Ridge Manor. The money will go to Reaching-Out Community Services, which runs a food pantry on New Utrecht Avenue, and which is gearing up for its annual Operation Christmas Smiles party, where some 800 children will receive gifts and enjoy an afternoon of fun.

“The kids stood out in the cold weather to make it happen,” noted Tom Neve, the executive director of Reaching-Out. “It was a really sweet thing they did. They are always doing things to help the community. They are a great example of what it means to be altruistic, and keep the good going.”

“The kids had a wonderful time giving back,” said Lori Bambina, whose children Nicholas and Julianna were part of the effort. “It’s wonderful of the kids to come together for other children, especially at this time of the year.”

The other members of the Lemonade Coalition present for the effort were President Preston Ferraiuolo, and Athena Bardis, Anthony Butsikares Caroline Hanna, Matthew Hanna, Joseph Khouzami, Susie Sartzetakis and Sarah Viafidis.

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