By Keith Paul
American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region Communications Director

A North Las Vegas kindergartner has captured the hearts of his community with a lemonade stand. Inspired by the American Red Cross of Southern Nevada's fire prevention program, 6-year-old Henry Williams decided to donate all the proceeds from his enterprise to support the organization's Home Fire Campaign.

On Thursday, Oct. 27, 2022, Henry proudly presented $881.88 to the Red Cross
“It’s for all the good things you guys do,” he said as he turned over his profits to the Southern Nevada Red Cross. Henry’s generous donation will be used for smoke alarms that will help make more than 40 families safer in their homes.

Henry says the idea stemmed from a game he played featuring beloved Sesame Street characters, Elmo and Cookie Monster, who set up a lemonade stand to raise money for library books. Determined to make a difference, Henry took the initiative and opened his own stand, waking up early last October 15 to prepare lemonade, iced tea, banana bread, and cookies. The response from the community was overwhelming, and his stand sold out by 11 a.m.

Rachel Flanigan, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Southern Nevada Chapter, expressed her gratitude for Henry's generosity, saying "Henry's donation and story literally brought tears to our eyes. For someone so young to have a sense of giving to his community is truly heartwarming."

Henry’s family played an integral role in supporting his efforts. His father, Cody, returned home from a military deployment just in time for the lemonade stand launch, and both his parents and grandfather were deeply impressed by his desire to give back. They both decided to match his actual profit of $253.96, raising the total donation to $881.88.

The funds will directly contribute to the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign
The effort includes helping people prevent, prepare for, and safely respond to home fires. The campaign, launched in 2014, has already saved over 1,300 lives nationwide by educating families about fire safety and providing free smoke alarms. In Southern Nevada, the goal is to make 400 homes safer this year.

Reflecting on his experience, Henry's mother, Heather Williams, shared, "Henry approached me about doing a charity lemonade stand to give back. He chose the Red Cross because they donate smoke detectors and help people who’ve experienced a home fire." Heather expressed immense pride in her son's considerate and empathetic nature.

Henry's success has fueled his determination to continue making a difference
He is already planning his next lemonade stand and has informed his mother that they will need more supplies. The community eagerly awaits the next opportunity to support this inspiring young philanthropist.

You can be like Henry and help the community
For those interested in supporting the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign or volunteering to install smoke alarms and educate families about fire safety, more information can be found at redcross.org/homefires. Financial donations are also welcome and can be made at redcross.org/donate.

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.