HAMPTON-Twelve-year-old Cartier Carey gained national attention last year after opening a lemonade stand during the covid-19 pandemic that has raised more than $50,000 to assist single mothers and low-income families with purchasing diapers.
“People from all over the world have been reaching out with donations,” his mother, Britney Stewart, recently said. “Right now, we have a storage unit on Todd’s Lane filled with diapers that we’ll be delivering to people.”
Carey, his four siblings, and other young volunteers, travel to local homeless shelters, hospitals, and low-income neighborhoods to deliver diapers to people who are struggling financially.
Carey’s outreach efforts began a few years prior to starting the lemonade stand. “He has always wanted to help with his community,” said Stewart. “He started with making care packages that he would deliver to homeless people in the area.”
Carey formed Kids 4 Change 757, a youth organization created to help individuals in the community who are in need of assistance. Plans are in the works to transition the group into a formal nonprofit organization. “We filed for a 501c3 status and are currently waiting for approval,” said Stewart.
“Ever since I was little, I’ve wanted to help people out who are struggling,” said Carey. “I want them to feel like they’re not alone, especially homeless people.”
A 7th grader at Cesar Tarrant Middle School, Carey is currently focusing efforts on his 2nd annual holiday toy drive. His goal is to acquire 5,000 toys to distribute to children in need through wish lists created on Amazon.com and Target.com.
In addition to his volunteer work, Carey enjoys playing football and basketball at his school and spending time with family.
For more information on Kids 4 Change 757, please click here to visit their Facebook page or click here to make a donation.