Hope
Love
Aleena Halaszynski is proof that a person is never
too young to embrace McKeesport’s message. With a bit of
inspiration from her family, community, and school, Aleena
was looking for ways to raise funds for children less fortunate
than herself. She saw YouTube videos and commercials
involving lemonade stands and wanted to try it in her own
neighborhood, with proceeds benefitting St. Jude’s Children’s
Research Hospital.
“I wanted to help kids and sick people,” Aleena said. “I
wanted the money to go to people who need it.”
Her parents, Jennifer and Chris Halaszynski, contacted St.
Jude and obtained permission to advertise their daughter’s
fundraiser as a charity event. The family received a formal
letter outlining St. Jude’s commitment to patients and
examples of what one day of treatment would cost for
various patient conditions. The Halaszynski family expected
to raise anywhere from $50 to $200, thinking it would be
a nice contribution, but with support from neighbors, city
officials, and Turner’s Dairy, they brought in close to $1,300.
On May 26, Aleena set up shop at the corner of Arnold
and Wainwright drives in McKeesport’s Haler Heights
neighborhood. “People walked up to us and they pulled up in
cars,” Aleena said. “It make me feel joyed and happy.”
Aleena’s heart was warmed by the support her project
received. For two hours, she was busy serving local residents,
first-responders, and more. She talked with strangers as well
as friends, including classmates.
Aleena recently finished first grade at Mary of Nazareth
Catholic School in White Oak, where she is learning the value
of ethics along with other subjects.
“In religion class, they teach me how to be kind and nice,”
she said. “We draw pictures of people helping others. We
want to help the earth get better.”
Aleena is looking for new ways to support her community,
and she hopes to host a second lemonade stand this summer
to raise funds for local charities.
For more information, contact the mayor’s office at 412.675.5020, ext. 605.
Nominations can be mailed to the mayor’s assistant Jennifer Vertullo, 500 Fifth
Avenue, McKeesport, PA 15132, or emailed to jen.vertullo@mckeesport-pa.gov. The
deadline for the next round of nominations is August 17, 2018.
MCKEESPORT AREA
❘
SUMMER 2018
27