As the adage goes, “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade” describes exactly what Jaiden and Rylee Wells, ages 10 and 9, respectively, have done for other people.

The sisters, of Landis, have taken the money they make from their lemonade stand, Luxury Lemons, and use it to help others who are experiencing a need.

When their mom Amber told them about a family of six she had learned about facing some difficulty, the two were ready to assist. 

“We are just trying to be the little elves who try to brighten peoples lives and make sure they have an amazing Christmas,” Jaiden shared.

Wanting to help others is why they do what they do and Rylee agreed that it feels good to be able to do so.

Weather hindered some previous events, but they continue to move forward to help this family and on Dec. 11, the tent was up beside Afton Pub and Pizza on Village Drive in Concord, which let them set up in this space.

While Jaiden was sick and unable to be there, Rylee, mom and friend Andyel Klassette, who also does their social media, and another friend, continued with the planned event of selling lemonade and hot chocolate, and by the end of the evening, had raised $209 of their $1,000 goal so they can help with Christmas presents and other financial needs the family may be experiencing.

Also helping them with their endeavor were Santa Doug of China Grove and Baylee Pinkston of Baylee Marie Photography of Salisbury.

Both donated their time and money received to help the Wells reach their goal of assisting this family.

Santa Doug said that he is a donation-based Santa, never charging, but accepting donations and when he learned of the girls wanting to help someone else, he was ready to be a part of it too.

“This is my passion,” he said. “I love this so much.”

Pinkston noted that she taking photos for no charge as well. She told how recently losing her mom has helped her to understand how difficult things can be at times for families at Christmas and when she saw this event on Facebook and the need for a photographer and the fact that it was to help a family of six, she said, “I’m all in. Sign me up, I’ll be there.”

While Amber said the cold did keep people in, she added that “the event was amazing” noting they had 15 families drop by the tent to help out with the cause.

Additional events are on the calendar to help Jaiden and Rylee reach their goal.

Upcoming events are: Mingle & Jingle movie at the park Dec. 15 from 6-9 p.m. at Mint Hill Veterans Memorial Park, 8850 Fairview Road, Mint Hill. It will feature the movie “The Polar Express” on the big screen and more family fun.

Christmas Cocktails and Crafts Vendor, an event sponsored by Southern Grace Distilleries at Mt. Pleasant Prison set for Dec,. 16 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

And two events at Viking Brewing, Dec. 17 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Buzzed Vikings Procrastinators Vendor Market, 1048 Copperfield Blvd., Concord and another on Dec. 23.

For those unable to attend but who would like to help may do so by going to Facebook and visiting Luxury Lemons where they have all of their information along with an Amazon wish list for the family, which they are trying to fill.

People can also email the girls at luxurylemons1@gmail.com and do an e-gift card or if they want to help towards gift cards Amber noted they have Cash App $Luxurylemons. 

Watching their children working to help others means everything to them, stressed Amber when asked what it means to the girls’ parents.

“I have always taught my children that if you see someone struggling, something so small as a kind word can go a long way. Especially at their age in school. But to see them wanting to help adults bring smiles to their children is absolutely everything to us.”

But the girls haven’t stopped at just making sure the children have presents from Santa, but they wanted to provide gifts for the children that would be from mom and dad as well as presents to mom and dad from the kids.

“We think it would warm the families’ hearts,” Amber shared.

This is not the first event the girls have donated to. Prior to raising money for this family, the pair sold lemonade to raise money for St. Jude’s Children Hospital.

To help with this project, Amber shared that Blue Line Technologies in Charlotte, Jeff Sagraves helped them to reach their goal by matching the amount they raised. 

“They raised $1,069.29 in July, and that’s what started this business,” she noted.

If any businesses are holding events during Christmas break, Amber said they would love to attend and perhaps be allowed to set up as they are looking for their next location.

Future plans are for them to obtain a food truck to fix up and use, said mom.

“Hopefully soon we will be able to purchase a food truck to travel more, make more lemonade and help so many others,” shared Jaiden.