AMERICUS — Another month, another important cause for young Ayden Mercer Battle. Ayden made headlines last month when he donated proceeds he earned from his lemonade stand, Ayden J’s Juice, to local breast cancer patients and their families. He delivered a $600 check to the Phoebe Sumter Medical Center Oncology Clinic a few weeks ago, and received a proclamation from the mayor, a local congressman and the adulation from people near and far.
The 6-year-old entrepreneur is at it again, and this time his goal is to collect canned goods for those in need during the holiday season. Ayden is asking that in lieu of funds that people bring canned goods to his stand in exchange for a glass of lemonade. Monetary donations will also be accepted for cost, and all proceeds will go to the local Harvest of Hope Food Pantry, which feeds hundreds of people weekly in Americus and Sumter County. That number grows during the holiday season, so these donations will help many in need.
Ayden will be at his stand, which is located at Mercer’s Barber Shop, 221 N. Lee St., Americus, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 18.