A 7-year-old girl sold lemonade and raised nearly $10,000 for a monument to her late mother

A little girl from Alabama, USA, opened a lemonade stand last week with a special purpose.

This was reported by SSPDaily.

Seven-year-old Emory Johnson sold the drink at a homemade kiosk, not to buy a new toy or the latest clothing trend, but to help raise money for a monument for her mother.

According to the family, Emory's mother, Carly Boardner, died unexpectedly in March.

Jennifer Boardner, the girl's grandmother, said that her granddaughter decided to raise the money herself. "Emory is so special. If anyone here was hurt, she would do something to help them," Jennifer said.

As word spread on social media about Emory's initiative, community members flocked to her booth to help. Neighbors, firefighters, nurses, and deputies stopped to buy a drink for a dollar, but many gave a little more as a tip for her hard work.

At one point in the afternoon, Johnson received several $100 bills from community members. "I was just shocked. I was crying happy tears," the grandmother said.

According to the family, Emory's efforts helped raise nearly $10,000.

After hearing the family's story, monument companies also responded by offering to donate headstones for Carly Boardner. The money raised can now go towards other expenses the family is facing.

"It's like she knows that her mom is okay. She knows she's going to be okay and that everyone cares about her and loves her," said Jennifer Boardner. "All these people showing up and trying to help is really helping to heal the whole family."

Emory said her mom would be proud of her: "Yes. She would say I did a good job."