It’s the seventh day of my 12 Days of Charitable Giving. Readers have suggested deserving charities over the past few weeks, and I’ll be posting one a day for – well, 12 days (I’m clever that way). Today’s charity is Alex’s Lemonade Stand.
Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) shares the vision of the founder and creator, Alexandra “Alex” Scott: a cure for all children with cancer.
Alex was diagnosed with childhood cancer just before her first birthday. When she was four, she told her parents she wanted to set up a front-yard lemonade stand to give the money to doctors to help them find a cure.
The first “Alex’s Lemonade Stand” raised an astonishing $2,000 in one day. Even though she had cancer, Alex continued to set up lemonade stands every year. As the news spread, people everywhere were inspired to start their own lemonade stands—donating the proceeds to her cause.
Alex passed away in 2004 at the age of eight. By that time, her stand and inspiration had raised more than $1 million towards finding a cure for cancer. Her parents started Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation in 2005 to continue her work. The mission of the organization is to raise money for and awareness of childhood cancer causes, especially research into new treatments and cures, and to encourage and empower others, especially children, to get involved and make a difference for children with cancer.
Since Alex set up her first lemonade stand in 2000, the organization has raised more than $127 million. That money has helped to fund more than 650 research projects; create a travel program to help support families of children receiving treatment; and develop resources to help people everywhere affected by childhood cancer.
So how can you help?
To make a donation by credit card or Paypal, you can click over to the website. In addition to one-time donations, you can set up a recurring donation to give monthly, quarterly or annually.
Donations may also be sent by mail. You can complete the donation form (downloads as a pdf) and mail along with your check to:
Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation
111 Presidential Blvd., Suite 203
Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004 USA
To donate by phone, call 1.866.333.1213.
You can also set up your own lemonade stand.
Each year, during Alex’s Lemonade Days, thousands of supporters around the country host a lemonade stand or an event to raise money for much-needed childhood cancer research. The next Alex’s Lemonade Days will be held on Saturday, June 3 through Sunday, June 11, 2017.
You can also set up other events like golf outings and walkathons.
You can also shop at Alex’ online shop. Remember that you can’t deduct the cost of items that you purchase, even if the proceeds are going to charity. However, if you pay a premium where you get something in exchange, you can deduct the difference between what you pay and the value of the product (for example, if you receive a $10 coffee mug for a $100 donation, your charitable deduction is $90).
For more ways to get involved, click here.
As always, you want to make sure that your donation is going to a qualified charitable organization. A search using the IRS’ Exempt Organizations Select Check reveals that Alex’ Lemonade Stand is on the list.
To find out more about the work of the organization, check out their website. You can also like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter or Instagram. You can also subscribe to their YouTube Channel or pin from their Pinterest page.
I often suggest checking out third-party sites like Charity Navigator for more information about charitable organizations, including evaluations and access to tax forms and other financials. Alex’s Lemonade Stand is ranked four stars by Charity Navigator here.
Remember: submissions to the 12 Days of Charitable Giving are made by readers, and in most cases, I can’t personally vouch for the good work that these folks do. So be generous. But be smart. Do your homework.
For more on making charitable donations, check out this prior post.
