Police, firefighters support Kansas City brothers’ lemonade stand after complaint call

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (KCTV) – Two brothers running a lemonade stand received an unexpected boost this week when Kansas City Kansas police and firefighters responded to a call about their operation.

Parez and Jakkhi Reese have been selling lemonade, Kool-Aid and snacks at 33rd and Webster for years. But this week, someone called 911 to report the boys selling lemonade on the corner.

When officers and firefighters arrived, they did not shut down the stand. Instead, they became its best customers.

Officers rally support

Officer Morgan Reed was among the first to arrive during the afternoon shift. She immediately began calling colleagues to encourage them to stop by.

“I was calling everybody, yeah. I was just calling everybody — hey, make sure you guys stop by the lemonade stand. And then just whenever they were busy, a couple people were able to swing by,” Reed said.

The calls worked. In about 30 minutes, dozens of officers purchased lemonade and Kool-Aid from the brothers. The sales totaled $280.

More than money

For Parez and Jakkhi, the experience meant more than the revenue.

“It means a lot because they gave us like… a big sticker to use on our shirts. And they was like — now you’re an official police officer,” the brothers said.

Reed returned the next day and spent another $40. She said moments like this represent what community policing should look like.

“I think as a lot of us, we’re kids growing up in this city. And this was the thing that we always looked forward to as kids, is these friendly police interactions,” Reed said.

Goals beyond the stand

Parez said his motivation extends beyond collecting badge stickers.

“I just wanted to like help the homeless and buy me a new e-bike because that has been my dream since I was little,” Parez said.

Jakkhi said he plans to use his share to buy diapers for his nephew and niece.

The brothers said they will continue operating the stand throughout the summer. Reed said she will likely return again.

Both boys were invited to attend a free boys and girls football camp put on by the Kansas City Kansas Police Department. More information is available at this link.