For the second year in a row, Jackson Ramirez and his two siblings, making their summer visit to Freeport, ran a lemonade stand outside the School Street home of the Freeport Flag Ladies, and donated proceeds – an impressive $60 – to the Freeport Community Services Food Pantry.

Jackson, 10, his brother Gabe, 14, and sister Abbey, 13, sold lemonade and cookies on Sunday, July 31. They were visiting their aunt, Lara Bailey, from their home in Woodbridge, Va.

“Even though it appeared as though it might rain that day, it didn’t keep people from stopping by to enjoy lemonade and cookies,” Bailey said in an email to the Tri-Town Weekly. “Jackson asked for donations only and some people did just that without wanting anything in return. Others wanted to give specifically because it was going to benefit the food pantry.”

Bailey said that Jackson helped to make the lemonade with fresh lemons and thanked each person who stopped by the stand. He and Abbey made colorful signs to advertise. Gabe was the “town crier,” and energetically announced “Jackson’s lemonade stand! Benefits area food pantry!” for nearly two hours, Bailey said. Their mother, Kristen, made the chocolate chip cookies, and father, Mark, helped to set up the tables and chairs.

“Jackson and his siblings understand the need to give back to the community.” Bailey said. “Jackson said it made him feel good to be able to help other people with his lemonade stand.”

He delivered the donation to the food pantry in person the next day. Melanie Sachs, Freeport Community Services executive director; Sarah Lundin, community services cordinator; and Debbie Daggett, volunteer coordinator, were happy to receive it.

“These caring kids are truly role models for others,” Sachs said. “They raised not only funds, but also awareness for the FCS food pantry. FCS is deeply grateful to these three for their tremendous efforts.”

Elaine Greene, one of the three Freeport Flag Ladies, said that the children running the lemonade stand accomplished two purposes.

“Whenever you see children who are trying to benefit others and at the same time learning some life skills, it’s a win situation,” Greene said. “Who could lose in such a thing?”

Jackson Ramirez of Virginia sells lemonade from outside the home of the Freeport Flag Ladies on School Street in Freeport on July 31. He and his siblings, Gabe and Abbey, donated the proceeds to Freeport Community Services.