ORWIGSBURG - Three children from Orwigsburg are proof that efforts to help the less fortunate - even those with four legs - can make a difference.
Olivia and Kevin Haas and Jackson Mabry have a lemonade and magic trick stand in front of 419 W. Market St. in the borough to benefit the Hillside SPCA.
As of Wednesday, the children collected $340 that will go into the medical fund for animals at the shelter. They started their effort July 16.
They don't have a specific monetary goal they want to raise.
"It's generous of everybody who's donating to the SPCA," said Olivia, 8.
A glass of lemonade is 50 cents, the same price as a magic trick. The magic tricks are performed by Mabry, 11, a friend of Kevin.
Kevin, 11, said he came up with the idea to contribute money raised to the Hillside SPCA "because I felt bad for all the cats and dogs that don't have any families," he said.
The actual idea for the lemonade stand was a joint effort between Mabry and his 10-year-old cousin, Libby Carestia, from Schuylkill Haven.
The children even had T-shirts made by the Haas' aunt that say "Cause for Paws" with pictures of a dog, a cat and paws.
A lemonade stand was even purchased at a store.
People stopped by Wednesday to donate.
After buying a glass of lemonade, Barbara Peifley, 65, of Orwigsburg, said the idea was a good one.
"I think it's great. Kids like animals," she said.
Lisa Haas, Olivia and Kevin's mother, said she is proud of her children.
"I'm very surprised at the amount of money they raised so far," she said.
The children said they are having fun.
Barbara Umlauf, Hillside SPCA director, is impressed with what the children have done.
"No one appreciates it more," she said.
The children don't see their ages as an obstacle.
"It doesn't matter how old you are. You can still help out anytime," Kevin Haas said.
"If you find inspiration you can do anything," Mabry said.