When kindergarten student Katelynn Hardee heard that some of her classmates couldn't afford to buy school lunches and had negative balances on their accounts, she decided to do something about it, choosing perhaps the sweetest, most festive way to help them out.
According to NBC San Diego, the 5-year-old from San Diego put together a pop-up stand to sell hot cocoa and homemade Christmas cookies, but what began as a modest effort soon turned into an incredible, booming success.
Karina Hardee said her young daughter began asking difficult questions about why some parents can afford the programs while others can't.
“Trying not to put too much on a 5-year-old, I explained some aren't as fortunate as us and it is kind to give when we can," Karina told NBC San Diego.
"I don't want people to be hungry,” she explained simply of her venture.
Word spread quickly about the young girl's generous efforts, and soon the stand was absolutely overwhelmed with people seeking to purchase hot chocolate and cookies for a good cause.
For her efforts, Katelynn was given an award by her school's principal Lori Higley and the cafeteria lead, Teresa Sharp.
"It is truly inspiring to see Katelynn's compassion and generous nature utilized to help those less fortunate,” Jamie Phillips, Director of Child Nutrition Services for Vista Unified School District, said.
h/t: NBC San Diego
