It's as American as mom and apple pie. But the iconic childhood lemonade stand has taken on a philanthropic bent, thanks to Sunkist Growers.

Three years ago, the company decided to send kids ages 7 to 12 their own lemonade stand, but with a twist — the kids had to use it to raise money for a charity. They called the program Take a Stand.

Wendy Book (ENLARGE)

Carson Piansky (right) and brother Ryan raised money to fight Eosinophilic disorders.

"It has far exceeded every expectation of ours," said Robert Verloop, vice president of marketing for Sunkist.

The first year the company sent out 500 kits. The next year 4,000 children requested them. This summer the company has sent out more than 12,000.

"We expect children to raise $1.5 million or more this year for more than 200 different charities," Verloop said.

Children like Carson Piansky, 8, who raised $295 at her stand Aug. 12 — plus a $5,000 donation from a family friend who came to the stand and gave her a check. Carson, of Atlanta, earmarked her money for the American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders because her brother, Ryan, 6, has Eosinophilic esophagitis, a disorder that keeps him from eating normally. He gets most of his nutrition through a tube in his stomach, said his mother, Wendy Book.

Carson decided to give her lemonade away but ask for donations.

"Some people gave a donation and didn't even take the lemonade," said Carson, who set up at a grocery store. "People were really nice."

Casey Banks of Conyers sold his lemonade from his front lawn. Casey, 5, was never able to meet his cousin, Jake, 8, who died of lymphoma a few months before Casey was born. But the family makes sure Jake's memory lives on, so Casey wanted to collect money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

"It was really hot the day we did it, so we only stayed out a couple of hours," said his grandmother, Cynthia Banks. "He raised about $25. We want to do it again when it's cooler."

Verloop said the average stand earns between $75 and $150, and the child chooses the charity.

"The diversity of the charities shows how many different things children are interested in," Verloop said, noting that they ranged from national organizations like the American Cancer Society to local charities like animal shelters.

Verloop would only say the company pays "less than $10" for the stands, which are printed in color on heavy cardboard and shipped with a juicer, a peeler, a spout and recipes. Shipping alone runs the company $8 to $12, he said. The company's Web site has downloadable signs and other information.

The program still has a few stands left, Verloop said, and will gear up again next spring.

"The heroes in this have been the kids that stand on the corner with their brother or sister or parents and sell their lemonade and raise money a few coins at a time."

To sign up: www.sunkist.com, click on "Take a Stand."

COMING UP

• Cajun Swamp Fete. Tech Corps Georgia takes unwanted computers, tunes them up and gives them to schools, teachers and low-income families in the metro Atlanta area. The group is holding its fifth annual Cajun Swamp Fete Sept. 9, which includes dinner and live Cajun dance music at the Knights of Columbus Club Hall on Buford Highway in Atlanta. Tickets are $100 and should be reserved by Monday. Or show up after 9 p.m. and for $10 dance the night away. For information or tickets: www.techcorpsga.orgwww.atlantajcc.org or 404-252-0598.

• Tributes for the animals. Five tribute bands will perform Sept. 3 to benefit PAWS Atlanta, a no-kill animal shelter in DeKalb County. Strokin' It (the Strokes), Grassroots (311), Wrong Way (Sublime), Scum Gumbo ('80s metal) and Slippery When Wet (Bon Jovi) will play at the Park Tavern from 3 to 11 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door. 500 10th St. Information: www.beerandwhiskeyfest.com. For more info on PAWS Atlanta, go to www.pawsatlanta.com.

• Golf dreams. Help make the dreams of senior citizens in elder-care communities come true by taking part in the Second Wind Dreams Golf Classic. Second Wind Dreams works to fulfill dreams, like ballroom dancing or riding a camel for the first time. The tournament, sponsored by the PGA Tour Superstore, will include prizes, auction, a 19th hole party and breakfast and lunch. Entry fee is $250 per player. 11 a.m. Sept. 18, Alpharetta Country Club. For tickets, call Mary Sellers at 678-234-1627. www.secondwind.org.