The
Toy Industry Foundation (TIF) announced today the launch of a new program that
provides a fun and engaging way for kids, communities and companies to make a
stand – a lemonade stand, that will help give the gift of play to disadvantaged
children around the country.  “Make a
Stand for Kids” is a new charity-based initiative that encourages young
entrepreneurs to set up and run their own lemonade stand in support of the Toy
Industry Foundation to distribute toys and make play possible for children in
crisis or other stressful situations. 

“There are millions of children around
the country who don’t get the opportunity to play,” said Jean Butler, executive
director of TIF. “Our ‘Make a Stand For Kids’ program empowers kids to help
other kids by setting up their own lemonade stand.  While running their own business children can
also learn about the importance of charitable giving, giving back to others and
helping those less fortunate.”  

To
help kids and their parents get started, TIF has created www.MakeaStandForKids.org where they can get
tips and ideas for setting up their stand and download and print graphics and
signage so that everyone knows the children are doing their part to help
support a good cause.  Sample recipes can
also be found to help provide kids with ideas for food and other beverages to
sell beyond lemonade, including Orange & Apricot Punch from Kerry Vincent, Food
Network Challenge judge.

There
is no official registration process. Parents are requested however to read the
online Fundraising Guidelines and give their consent before their kids get
started. As an additional safety measure, parents and kids should follow these Safety Tips when running a lemonade stand:

• 
  Always wash your hands
  with hot soapy water before preparing food.
• 
  If your hair is long,
  tie it back or wear a cap.
• 
  Wear a clean apron to
  protect your clothing from spills.
• 
  Have an adult help you
  slice the lemons, using a sharp knife and a clean cutting board.
• 
  Use paper or plastic
  pitchers and cups instead of glass.
• 
  Cover the lemonade and
  ice cubes between servings to keep bugs and dirt out.
• 
  Use a ladle or tongs to
  serve ice.
• 
  Provide a covered trash
  container to dispose of used cups and keep your area clutter-free.
• 
  Never operate your
  lemonade stand alone. Have your friends and older brothers and sisters’ help.
  Ask your parents or another adult to supervise your sale.
• 
  Set your stand up in
  your front yard or in an area where there are lots of people.
• 
  Never approach anyone in
  a car to make a sale.

www.MakeaStandForKids.org will also offer
links to the Toy Industry Association’s social media channels where children
can post photos of their stands, share stories, recipes and more.

“There is a year-round need for giving and this
campaign will provide a fun and enlightening activity throughout the summer
months.” added Ms. Butler. “Proceeds from ‘Make a Stand for Kids’ will help get
new toys, games and grant monies into the hands of worthy children's
charities.”