Young Americus entrepreneur continues sweet cause

AMERICUS — A 6-year-old in Americus with a pink lemonade stand that has been gaining popularity since it opened last year is continuing to contribute to worthy causes.

Ayden Mercer Battle donated proceeds he earned from his lemonade stand, Ayden J’s Juice, last month to breast cancer patients and their families. This included setting up shop at Phoebe Sumter Medical Center’s annual breast cancer walk, through which he sold out of his product.

His mother, Latoya Mercer, told The Albany Herald in a news release that he delivered a $600 check to the Phoebe Sumter Oncology Clinic a few weeks ago and received a proclamation from elected officials as well as praise from the public.

Now the young entrepreneur is at it again, and this time his goal is to collect canned goods for those in need during the holiday season.

Mercer said Ayden is asking that, in lieu of funds, customers 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 Harvest of Hope Food Pantry, which feeds hundreds of people weekly in Americus and Sumter County.

The number of individuals fed grows during the holiday season, so the donations are expected to help. Supporters are asking the public to help Ayden make a difference.

The cups usually sell for $2, including lids and straws. Mercer said Ayden usually makes the product himself.

Ayden will be at his stand, which is located at Mercer’s Barber Shop at 221 N. Lee St., from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday.