Supporting the police through lemonade

By Mon Valley Independent

By JEFF STITT

jstitt@yourmvi.com

Julian Nahas, a 6-year-old from Monessen, is proof that you’re never too young to do good in your community or to give thanks to America’s military and first responders.

Since he was 2, Julian has found ways to show appreciation for police officers and members of the U.S. Armed Forces, according to his mom, Arley Nahas of Monessen.

And on Sept. 5, the youngster found a way to give back to the Monessen Police Department by setting up a lemonade stand.

“Since he was little, Julian has honored the military, police and community,” Arley said, adding that her son’s love for first responders and those in uniform came as a result of his stepfather, Mike Dziak, serving in the U.S. military as a Navy SEAL.

“He would send Mike pictures and scribbles, wave flags and be so happy to say ‘Thanks for your service’ to his hero, Mike,” she said of her son.

His pride for Mike’s service led Julian to find other ways to do outreach work for first responders and those in uniform, such as organizing a handwritten card distribution for active duty overseas Air Force members, volunteering at an annual luncheon his mom hosts to honor operating room nurses and doctors at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh, making cards and goodies for the Pittsburgh police officers and SWAT team who responded to in the Tree of Life Synagogue shooting in Squirrel Hill, volunteering to serve snacks at the family’s place of worship, Hill City Church; making baskets and treats for kids at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh and making cupcakes and cakes to distribute to local police, friends, church leaders and the community with Arley’s “Random Acts of Caking.”

“Julian’s heart for service and love for all people is genuine and pure,” Arley said. “His smile lights up the room and he loves laughing and making others laugh and smile.”

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