Shawano youth Jaden Zittlow set up a stand and sold lemonade from his house to raise money and awareness for the Shawano County Humane Society.
The day’s lemonade stand was very successful, bringing in well over $400. According to his family, this brings the total amount raised this year to $550 so far.
With a table and a homemade sign set up in front of his house, Zittlow sold lemonade and a special flavored beverage such as watermelon or blue razz for $1. He also sold homemade bracelets for $2 to raise funds.
Typically, once consumers learned that the money is benefitting the humane society, they contribute more than what is being asked.
“I really like animals,” Zittlow said, when asked why he chose the humane society to be the recipient of the funds. “We have two boxers, a cat and a guinea pig, and we’re gonna get a puppy, too.”
Some customers were able to see the family’s two boxers keeping an eye out for him through the front window of the family’s home. Reportedly, they enjoyed watching the people stop by.
Zittlow has been raising funds through his lemonade stands since last year. This is actually the fifth stand he has held to benefit the humane society. He also plans to hold more throughout the summer, although he has no set schedule.
Typically, Zittlow has given 50% of the money raised to the humane society, but has recently decided that with this stand 100% of the funds raised will go to the humane society.
In the fall, Zittlow plans to go with his family to purchase items such as animal feed for the dogs and cats at the shelter. After raising funds over the course of the summer, Zittlow plans to donate all of the items in one visit to the humane society.
Zittlow has already discussed volunteering directly with the humane society, too.
“I haven’t volunteered before, but I want to,” Zittlow said. “They said I could walk the dogs, play with the dogs and feed the dogs.”
When not holding lemonade stands, Zittlow’s main focus is on his education and enjoying his summer vacation.
“I go to St. James (Lutheran School),” Zittlow said. “I just finished sixth grade and am going into seventh.”
Zittlow enjoys outdoor activities such as baseball, tubing, fishing and more.
The humane society was excited to learn of Zittlow and wanted to support him in his efforts.
“Jaden’s dedication and generosity are truly remarkable,” said Pam Nowak, executive director. “He is not only raising much needed funds, but also spreading awareness about the importance of caring and protecting animals in need. He is helping to provide much needed resources for Shawano County Humane Society and fostering a sense of compassion and empathy among those who encounter his lemonade stand. His efforts are not only supporting the animals directly, but they are also helping to educate and inspire others to get involved and make a positive impact.”
If you happen to be driving through Shawano, you can take a detour onto Lincoln Street and see if Zittlow is out with his lemonade stand. You might be able to meet Zittlow, enjoy some lemonade and contribute to the humane society.
Lemonade sales benefit humane society
