Letters Back Home: Lemonade Edition

Posted on May 26, 2010 by The USO | 9 Comments

This sweet letter came to us along with a donation for $28.25. It might not seem like much to some, but the sentiment behind that small gesture of generosity really touched us.

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9 Responses to Letters Back Home: Lemonade Edition

Kim | May 26, 2010 at 08:46 | Reply

I love this! Its this kind of thing that makes you realize how compassionate our small friends can be– they may be small– but their hearts are HUGE! Thank you to the adults who raised these kids!!!
Kim
Irish | May 26, 2010 at 10:11 | Reply

This is the inspiration we all need. When we reflect on what is really important, life is short and we need to show our love in such simple, pure, and sincere ways – each day.
Sue Caward | May 26, 2010 at 10:40 | Reply

What sweet, thoughtful kids! They were hot but did not stop selling their lemonade because they believed in the ’cause’ they were working toward. God bless them for their selflessness….
Erik | May 26, 2010 at 11:07 | Reply

That is just simply beautiful. To some 28.25 is not much. To a young child, it is quite the substantial amount. To read that letter, it just yanked at my heart, and made me that much more proud to be an American and a veteran.
voiceu | May 26, 2010 at 22:45 | Reply

THIS is why I ALWAYS stop for kids with lemonade stands! Rewarding free enterprise, initiative AND sometimes the result is nothing short of AWESOME!
Douglas Gillespie | May 27, 2010 at 05:06 | Reply

Dear U.S.O.,

I think that you downplay the size of the gift

a hard-working man or woman gives to you.

I am 71 years old and receive a fixed income.

I send to about 20 different recipients,because

I know they need the gift,and it comes right from

my heart.My monthly gifts add up to around

60-70 dollars. I feel belittled when someone says

that $28 is a small amount.I do gifting ,because

it makes me feel good.I also send pre-paid

telephones cards.I am not trying to boast.

Do you agree that we are in dismal economic

times?My average gift is $5.

Most of the groups that need the money start

at the $15 level then go up to $50-$1oo.

What if 1 million donors sent a little,measly
‘
one dollar.Would that dollar look measly?????

I think that any group desiring donations should

be thankful,and pleased no matter what is sent.

I’ll get off my soap-box,and say adieu.

Douglas Gillespie

Bennington,VT.
fyiuso | May 27, 2010 at 09:05 | Reply

Hi Douglas,
We definitely did not mean any disrespect! We are very touched by their generosity and the generosity of any one who donates to the USO online, or drops a few coins in a jar at one of our Centers. We couldn’t do it without you – thanks.
Douglas Gillespie | May 27, 2010 at 10:07 | Reply

Hello,fyiuso,

Thank you for your comment;and you are

right about the children.You really have to

admire and love them.They have “the true

spirit of giving.”I would love to meet their

parents,and give them and their children a big

hug.A lot of Americans are sick of hearing and

seeing on “The Tube” this seemingly endless

conflict which has gone from Iraq,and now–

Afghanistan.

One thing that we must not forget;our men and

women did not start the conflicts.If you do not

follow orders while being deployed,you will

probably end up in the brig,and facing court-

martial,and eventually a dishonorable discharge

which will follow you for the rest of your life.

That is a no-no!

Our military personnel are hearing that a good

share of the people in the U.S. aren’t interested

anymore,and many,many soldiers have become

disheartened.I pray that this conflict isn’t

turning into another VietNam,and when our

troops return home,they will be blamed for

the wars.God Forbid!

Take care,and thank you!

Doug in Vermont.
lisa c. campbell | May 29, 2010 at 20:46 | Reply

that is so touching… a child touches your heart like no other… that sweet innocence…!!! THAT is awesome!!!!
GOD BLESS ALL!