At an age when most 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥ren are focused on video games or playing with friends, 11-year-old Cartier Carey from Hampton, Virginia, has chosen a different path—one that embodies generosity, community service, and entrepreneurial spirit. Cartier spent his summer days selling lemonade to raise money for a cause close to his heart: providing diapers and other essential supplies to single mothers in need.
A Mission of Compassion
Cartier’s initiative, named Kids 4 Change 757, began when he noticed a problem that many may have overlooked. As the COVID-19 pandemic heightened financial hardships, single mothers in his community struggled to afford basic supplies like diapers and wipes. Inspired by the challenges his friends’ single mothers faced, Cartier decided to take action. Although his parents are together, Cartier understood that raising 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥ren alone, especially during a global crisis, was no easy task.
“I really want to raise awareness,” Cartier told The Washington Post. “I want to spend all my free time doing this.”
With the support of his family, Cartier set up a lemonade stand in his front yard. Selling lemonade for $1, chips for 50 cents, and candy for 25 cents, he made sure every dollar earned would go toward purchasing essential supplies for single mothers. Beside the stand, a sign clearly read: “Raising Money for Single Mothers,” making his mission known to passersby.
Rapid Success and Community Impact
Cartier’s lemonade stand quickly became a local sensation. In just the first three days, he raised about $3,000. To date, his efforts have garnered $7,500, allowing him to purchase and distribute over 27,500 diapers to local shelters, churches, and directly to single mothers. The community’s response was overwhelmingly positive, with many people not only buying lemonade but also leaving generous donations.
“A lot of the time, people see the sign and want to donate,” said Cartier’s mother, Britney Stewart. “Many will ask to buy a lemonade for a dollar, but they’ll usually leave $20.”
Shaniya Green, an 18-year-old single mother who works at a McDonald’s, expressed her gratitude for Cartier’s initiative. “It has been really helpful because I truly can’t afford all of this on my own,” she said.
A Young Leader in the Making
Cartier’s compassion and entrepreneurial spirit have earned him recognition far beyond his community. His efforts have been featured on shows such as “Good Morning America,” “Live with Kelly and Ryan,” and NBC Nightly News, as well as in major publications including The Washington Post. The visibility has only helped amplify his cause, attracting more donations and volunteers eager to support his mission.
Cartier’s nonprofit, Kids 4 Change 757, is not his first attempt to make a difference. Earlier in the year, he and his mother organized care packages for the homeless, filled with essential items like hand sanitizer, soap, and snacks. His actions show a consistent commitment to serving those less fortunate and inspiring others to do the same.
The Power of Perseverance and Hope
Cartier’s impact goes beyond the tangible goods he provides. His story serves as a beacon of hope, illustrating that no one is too young to make a difference. It has encouraged other 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥ren in his neighborhood to participate, proving that community service can be both impactful and inclusive.
One mother’s emotional reaction, captured on video, underscores the deep impact of Cartier’s work. “You are helping so many people, you have no idea,” she said through tears. “You’re an amazing young man, and you’re going to go far.”
Looking Forward
As Cartier continues his education through virtual schooling, he remains committed to his mission. He plans to keep running the lemonade stand and expanding Kids 4 Change 757 to reach even more families in need. His role model is the late Kobe Bryant, who inspired Cartier to strive for greatness and work hard.
“Others can make a difference just like I’m doing right now,” Cartier said. “They can save lives and be heroes. They’re never too young.”
Cartier Carey’s story is a powerful reminder that acts of kindness, no matter how small they may seem, can ripple outwards and create significant positive change. Through his compassion and dedication, Cartier is not just selling lemonade—he’s building a brighter future for his community, one cup at a time.
In a heartwarming tale of perseverance and determination, Tyra Muhammad, a 46-year-old mother of five, recently graduated from college nearly three decades after first beginning her undergraduate studies. Her inspiring journey serves as a testament to the power of resilience and the unwavering pursuit of one’s dreams.
Muhammad, who earned her degree from Grambling State University last month, shared the unique experience of attending college simultaneously with three of her five 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥ren. Reflecting on her time at Grambling, Muhammad expressed how her initial doubts about being “too old” to return to school were quickly dispelled by the encouragement and support of her 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥ren. “People at times would think we were all siblings [on campus] together,” Muhammad shared with a smile, during an interview with Good Morning America. “I appreciated that.”
Muhammad’s academic journey began in 1994 when she first entered Grambling State University as an English major. It was during her freshman year that she met her future husband, and by the year’s end, the two were married. Shortly thereafter, the couple started their family, leading Muhammad to put her education on hold. The challenges of pregnancy and the demands of motherhood made it difficult for her to continue her studies.
Despite her passion for education, Muhammad’s focus shifted primarily to her family. She took on the role of a certified nursing assistant, making several attempts over the years to return to college. However, she found that her responsibilities as a mother often took precedence. “I kind of put myself on the back burner, which is generally what most mothers and women do,” she acknowledged. Read more about Tyra Muhammad here.
