In triple-digit temperatures, Las Cruces kids sell lemonade to benefit law enforcement

As the temperature slowly ascended to the predicted high of 108 degrees, almost a dozen eager, sweaty children braved the sun to raise money for a good cause.

The children ran two lemonade stands with a local charity, Jardin de los Niños. The proceeds benefited law enforcement.

“We have a bunch of little entrepreneurs,” said Audrey Hartley, Executive Director of Jardin de los Niños. “They’re a very outgoing bunch of kids. It warms my heart to see how far they’re developing and what they’re doing.”

Many of the children are at a disadvantaged economic status. Hartley said she teaches them to give back to the community even when they don’t have enough.

“What we wanted them to learn was ‘Give from your own poverty,’ she said. “It doesn’t hurt because (even if) you don’t have money, you can still do things to help other people.”

Hartley said she hopes that the event will also help the children trust law enforcement.

“Usually because of their status, they don’t have good interactions with the folks in blue,” Hartley said. “We changed that up, too. Let’s get to know these guys.”

Amanda Askin visited the stand with her fourteen-month-old daughter, Eliana.

“I’m in the law enforcement family,” Askin said. “My husband is a law enforcement officer here in our community. So any opportunity I have to support the efforts that they do day-in, day-out, I will absolutely be there.”

“There’s nothing like walking up and having a group of kids greet you with, ‘Lemonade! A dollar! Cookies!’ Askin said.