Luke Schneider Donates His Lemonade Stand Proceeds

Luke Schneider, 7, has donated $103 to Friends of the Palisades Library, representing the proceeds from his Fourth of July lemonade stand, located half a block from the parade route. Large glasses of lemonade sold for a dollar, but every customer also received a Fourth of July pinwheel and a Tootsie Roll. Chocolate-chip cookies were also available, at three for a dollar. In addition, Schneider received tips from several customers. ‘As in prior years, he gives half of his proceeds to the library and puts the other half in his savings account,’ said Laura Schneider, Luke’s mother. ‘My husband and I matched his donation so the library got the full $103.’ This is the fourth year the Palisades Elementary second grader has had a lemonade stand. The first two years, he split the money between Fire Station 69 and Friends of the Library; the past two years his earnings have gone solely to the library. ‘A few years ago, we talked as a family about giving,’ Laura said, explaining how her son came up with the idea. According to Laura, her son has loved books from a young age and the family goes to the library at least once a week. Currently, Schneider is reading the third book of the ‘A Series of Unfortunate Events’ series by Lemony’Snicket, but he also enjoys ‘Calvin and Hobbes’ collections by Bill Watterson. ‘We’re so glad he’s willing to support the Friends of the Library and all of the important work that this organization does for Pacific Palisades,’ said Tim, Luke’s father. Schneider has a two-year-old brother, Jack, who slept during his parade business endeavors. Laura predicts Jack will be lots of ‘help’ when his older brother opens his stand next year. Said Friends of the Library member Wendy Edlen, ‘The children’s librarian’will be purchasing books and our Palisades Library Association will place bookplates in them to thank Luke for his generous contribution.’