Gwinnett girls use lemonade stand to raise hundreds for local cops

Seven enterprising little girls recently used a lemonade stand to raise hundreds of dollars — and then gave it all to the police department that helps keep them safe.

According to a doting news release from the Gwinnett County Police Department, Emma Williamson "felt the need to do something helpful for police officers," so she set up a lemonade and snack stand in her Braselton neighborhood.

"The stand was built, her friends were recruited, and with the help of the other moms running the 'bakery,' many cookies, brownies, cupcakes and other awesome goodies were produced," Sgt. Rich Long wrote in the news release.

In one day (July 23), the girls — including Williamson, Madison Autry, Madison Criddle, Maren Piland and Mackensie, Rylie and Kaycie Everett — pulled in a total of $330. Oakwood Baptist Church pitched in another $170 so they would reach their goal of $500.

The money was donated Tuesday during a ceremony at Gwinnett County police headquarters. It will go toward the Gwinnett County Police Foundation, a nonprofit that, among other things, provides assistance to members of the law enforcement community who are suffering financial hardship because of death, injury or illness.