Making a difference in the world often seems overwhelming and even impossible. Sometimes it takes a young child to realize how easy it actually is.

Thomas is a young boy who wants nothing more in the world than to own a puppy. However, Thomas’ parents aren’t too fond of the idea. Not accepting his parents’ answer, Thomas decides to set up a lemonade stand in hopes of making enough money to buy a puppy on his own.

Shortly after starting his small roadside business, Thomas throws a temper tantrum having realized how much work raising the money will be. Thomas’ mother responds by showing him a newspaper article addressing extreme poverty overseas in attempts to show him how lucky he is. Thomas is devastated at what he sees. He struggles to understand how it is that other children suffer helplessly while he lives a carefree life, full of fun and games. Thomas decides that it is up to him to do something. He changes his plans for the lemonade stand, gearing it towards his new purpose. He starts advertising his cause and even adds other services such as lawn mowing, car washing, leaf raking and so on.
Thomas then uses all of the money he makes to help fight poverty. Still thinking of the puppy he originally wanted, Thomas decides to buy animals for needy families as done by non-profit organizations such as Heifer International. These animals are life altering gifts, providing a form of self-reliance and hope for families struggling with hunger and poverty. Thomas’ parents are so proud of him for putting others ahead of himself and making such a difference that they decide to buy him the puppy he wanted after all.

Making a difference in the world often seems over whelming and even impossible. Sometimes it takes a young child to realize how easy it actually is.