Last summer, children and families across 10+ states raised over $160,000, proving that small hands and big hearts can make a real impact. And so once again, this summer, we invite individuals, families, churches, and organizations to set up Lemonaid stands—turning sunny days, block parties, and vacation vibes into tangible hope for our unhoused neighbors.
Four Steps to Start Your LemonAID Stand
Step One: Sign Up!
Register your Lemonaid stand (or stands!) and get access to our digital toolkit.
Step Two: Set Your Date and Location
We’ll provide age-appropriate, thoughtful resources to help you understand homelessness, not through fear or stereotypes, but through dignity and truth.
Step Three: Set Up Shop
Host your stand anywhere summer happens: sidewalks, parks, block parties, VBS camps, church lawns, or vacation towns.
Step Four: Fundraise
Every dollar raised supports City Relief’s outreach to unhoused neighbors, connecting people to care, community, and pathways toward stability.
Everything You Need to Get Started
A complete LemonAID Stand Kit — signage, giving links, and creative ideas to make your stand pop
Learning guides tailored for kids, teens, and adults
Social media templates and storytelling tips to share your impact
A real team behind you, City Relief support from setup to squeeze
Anyone Can Make LemonAID
Families. Churches. Schools. Businesses. Kids with big hearts and organizations with bold missions. If you believe no one should be left out, you're already qualified.
Do you want to organize a LemonAID team at your organization to make a BIG impact? We are here to help! One of our team members will reach out to help answer any questions you have about how to mobilize a group experience. Registration takes 2 minutes, and we'll equip your organization with everything needed to host a successful LemonAID stand fundraiser.
FAQ
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Every dollar you raise helps to support City Relief's mobile outreach programs. We bring food trucks, meals, essential supplies, and critical services directly to where people are living on the streets. Every $20 your lemonAID stand fundraises helps provides one person with refreshments, a meal, hygiene items, and connections to housing resources.
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That's exactly why we created the toolkit! We provide step-by-step guides, ready-made social media posts, email templates, and all the materials you need. Whether you're 8 or 80, hosting 5 friends or 50 coworkers, we've made it simple. Plus, our team is available to support you throughout your campaign.
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Absolutely! You can host a "virtual lemonade stand" by creating an online fundraising page and sharing it with your social networks. We provide digital graphics, email templates, and social media content to make virtual fundraising just as effective as a physical stand. Our toolkit has all the details whether you want to host or virtual or physical stand.
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City Relief has been serving NYC for 35+ years with a 70% program ratio—meaning at least 70 cents of every dollar goes directly to helping people. You'll receive regular updates showing exactly how your funds are being used, and we can share stories of real people whose lives were changed through your support.
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Every dollar counts! Even if you raise $10 instead of $100, that's still enough to provide lemonade and snacks for someone during our outreach. There's no minimum requirement or penalty for not hitting your target—we're grateful for any amount you raise. The goal is getting communities involved and helping however you can, not hitting specific numbers.