FALL RIVER, Mass. (WPRI) — Jackson Wimes loves giving back.
That’s why the 5-year-old decided to sell lemonade to raise money for those affected by the devastating fire at the Gabriel House assisted living facility back in July.
The idea came from a teacher at Wimes’ day care, according to his mother, Crystal Botelho.
“They were talking about the fire and how they could help,” Botelho explained. “He said, ‘How about we sell lemonade?'”
Wimes didn’t put everything together by himself. His grandfather made the lemonade, his grandmother decorated the stand, and his mom made sure there was plenty of ice.
His grandmother, Bridget Harnett, told NewsNation affiliate WPRI that she’s beyond proud of him.
“I love how he’s outgoing, always smiling and trying to do his best,” Harnett said of her grandson.
Wimes has always been an entrepreneur at heart. Harnett recalled one time when Wimes made $50 selling lollipops at a campground.
“I think the teacher asking him what they could do to help was a great choice,” Wimes said. “He’s just a good kid who wants to help everybody.”
Harnett said it was touching to see how excited Wimes was in the week leading up to opening his lemonade stand.
“I’m just really happy he wanted to do this,” Harnett said.
Botelho told WPRI that her son is now a kindergartner at Westall Elementary School. Since Wimes is wise beyond his years, she has no doubt that he will continue giving back throughout his life.
“Time’s going by so fast, and it gives me goosebumps thinking about how smart he is,” Botelho added.
The money raised from the lemonade stand was donated to the Fall River Firefighters Wives Association, which set up a GoFundMe page to assist the victims.