Star Power: Penelope Jordan
Meet 10-year-old Service Star Penelope Jordan. She opened a lemonade stand to raise money for Columbus House, a New Haven, Connecticut, nonprofit group that serves people facing homelessness. She’s raised more than $20,000 so far. TFK Kid Reporter Vicky Sun spoke with Penelope about her efforts.
How did you come up with the idea for your lemonade stand?
I noticed that some people didn’t have a home or food and needed help. I saw people struggling on the street, asking for money, and I just wanted to help them. A lot of people like lemonade—it makes money fast—so I thought it would be a good idea.
Do you have helpers when running your stand?
Yes. I have four siblings. They all help. My mom and dad are also helping.
How do you set up your stand?
Some of my family comes and helps. We do it outside of our house. We post about it on Instagram and TikTok, and my grandma makes cookies. They come with the lemonade for free.
What are your plans for the future?
Maybe give to different homeless shelters, just make it really big. I want to make it bigger. Maybe have my lemonade in supermarkets.
Do you have any advice for kids who want to serve their community?
Nothing's too small. I didn’t know that my lemonade stand would be this big.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
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