Kansas City Brothers’ Lemonade Stand Gets a Big Boost From Police, Firefighters, and Neighbors

Every summer, brothers Parez and Jakkhi Reese bring a little sweetness to their Kansas City neighborhood with a lemonade stand at 33rd and Webster.

Their cheerful setup serves lemonade, Kool-Aid, and snacks, and over the years, it has become a familiar warm-weather tradition for people nearby.

In early June, however, the brothers’ stand received unexpected attention when a neighbor called 911 to report that the children were selling items without a permit.

What happened next turned the moment into a bright example of community care.

Officer Morgan Reed, a local police officer working an afternoon shift, was among the first to visit the stand. She did not come to shut it down. Instead, she came to support the boys and help spread the word.

“I was calling everybody, yeah. I was just calling everybody — hey, make sure you guys stop by the lemonade stand,” Reed told KCTV. “And then just whenever they were busy, a couple people were able to swing by.”

That invitation quickly grew into something much bigger than a few visitors.

Police officers and firefighters from across the area began showing up to buy lemonade and Kool-Aid. As first responders stopped by, the brothers’ money jar filled up fast.

Within just 30 minutes of Reed reaching out, Jakkhi and Parez had made $280.

The visit became even more memorable when officers gave the boys stickers for their shirts, making them “official” police officers for the day. The brothers were also invited to attend a free boys and girls football camp hosted by the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department on June 6.

“It means a lot,” the brothers said.

As the story spread online, people around the country celebrated the outpouring of kindness.

“I’ll bet the person who made the original 911 call was watching all this and seething,” one Facebook user wrote. “It’s ridiculous to try and discourage young people who are trying to improve themselves in their community.”

Another person shared a hopeful wish for the boys’ summer business: “I hope they get a lot more customers and have a great summer!”

Others noted that the brothers’ stand appeared to be protected under state law.

“Due to the recent Kansas Lemonade Stand Law (House Bill 2599) — minor-owned, intermittent businesses do not require government permits or business licenses,” one Facebook user explained.

“The law was explicitly created to allow children to operate small businesses (like lemonade stands, lawn mowing, or craft tables) without having to navigate complicated commercial red tape.”

Reed returned the next day and spent another $40 at the stand. She told KCTV that this is what “community policing should look like.”

For Parez and Jakkhi, the encouragement meant more than strong sales. Their goals for the money were thoughtful and personal.

“I just wanted to help the homeless and buy [myself] a new e-bike because that has been my dream since I was little,” Parez said. Jakkhi shared that some of the money would also help buy diapers for their nephew and niece.

The brothers plan to keep their lemonade stand open throughout the summer, and Reed said she would be happy to visit again.

“I think [for] a lot of us, we’re kids growing up in this city,” she said. “And this was the thing that we always looked forward to as kids … these friendly police interactions.”

Header image via KCTV, courtesy of Greg Dailey.