These Two Girls Show What Community Service Looks Like in Delaware County

In the summertime, one of the most endearing things I have witnessed and something my own kids did a number of times, is seeing children with a lemonade stand. Typically, kids are just looking to get some spending money for themselves when they head into the enterprise of offering a refreshing drink for sale but two Walton, NY sisters had a very different idea on what to do with the proceeds from their own lemonade stand.

According to the Delaware County Sheriff's Department, back in early September, Richelle and Delana Wood set up a lemonade stand in front of their house in the Town of Walton with a specific intention. The two girls wanted to raise funds to support the Delaware County Sheriff's Office K-9 Program.

Not only did the two industrious sisters raise money for the K-9 program through the sale of lemonade, but they also held a book fundraising event in conjunction with it. A total of $900 was raised to help with expenses related to maintaining the K-9 Division. Talk about impressive! We may have some professional philanthropists in the making.

Last Saturday, Deputy Sheriff Kyle Karcher and K-9 Eli met with Richelle and Delana, and their family to accept the monetary donation on behalf of the Sheriff's Office, but Deputy Sheriff Karcher was also surprised with a thank you card from the girls, along with the gift of a toy for Eli.

In reaction to the generosity and effort put forth by the Wood girls to raise money for the K-9 Division, Sheriff Craig DuMond commented “I am so impressed with the community spirit of these girls, selflessly giving of their time to benefit our K9 program. I am sure their parents are as proud as we are grateful for their support of law enforcement”.

What a great example these girls set for not only their peers but for all of us! It's a reminder that giving not only benefits others but it just feels really great to give. That's what we call a win-win. Thank you Richelle and Delana for this positive reminder of what it looks like to give back to your community.