Quench your thirst for a good cause every Friday in September

Gamma Sigma Sigma's Lemonade Stand in honor of Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation

Gamma Sigma Sigma, the national service sorority on PennWest California University's campus, is teaming up with Alex's Lemonade Stand Fountain to turn one of life's most sour lemons - childhood cancer - into lemonade. Every Friday in September from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., they will be set up in front of Natali Student Center accepting donations and handing out cool, refreshing cups of lemonade.

According to the official website, alexslemonade.org, Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation is a non-profit organization with the ultimate goal of putting an end to childhood cancer by educating the public on the issue of pediatric cancer, financing life-changing research, and offering financial and emotional support to families of cancer patients. It all began with Alexandra Scott who was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, cancer that takes root in the immature nerve cells that eventually develop into the adrenal glands, within the first year of her life. Alex opened a lemonade stand in her front yard and planned to donate all the money she raised to hospitals so doctors could help other kids like her.

Meet Our Founder: Alexandra Scott | Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer (alexslemonade.org)

Students who recently visited the stand and exchanged a donation of any amount, even as little as a single dollar, for a cup of lemonade gave nothing but rave reviews. Customers who decided to stop and donate in the name of a good cause described the drink as "amazing," while another walked from the stand exclaiming, "this is good!" One customer in particular demonstrated that being a lemonade enthusiast is not a requirement when it comes to making a difference.

When asked what moved her to make a donation, she explained, "I always see [Gamma Sigma Sigma's] posts. I don't even like lemonade. I'm writing a paper on cancer, so it just felt right to donate. As far as lemonade goes, it's pretty good."

With Childhood Cancer Awareness month swiftly coming to an end and a fundraising goal of $300 within reach, Maddie Call, service vice president of Gamma Sigma Sigma's Eta Omega chapter, spoke of the possibility of keeping the lemonade stand going.

"We have hopes of continuing it for as long as we can to continue to raise money for cancer awareness," she explained, confirming that the lemonade stand will be modified into a hot chocolate and cider stand during the impending colder months.

Other Gamma Sigma Sigma partnerships include the American Cancer Society, March of Dimes, and the National Coalition of Homeless Veterans - so the PennWest California campus can expect to see a lot more from the members of Gamma Sigma Sigma. As far as what to expect for the remaining weeks in September, stayed tuned for strawberry-flavored lemonade.