Boy’s lemonade stand helps family friend hurt in motorcycle crash

Seven-year-old Jack Hritz set up the stand Friday in Rostraver Township.

A 7-year-old Elizabeth resident sold homemade lemonade in front of a Rostraver Township business Friday to raise money for a family friend who was injured in a motorcycle crash.

Jack Hritz, along with his mom Haley, grandfather Tom Yoder and aunt Emily Wright were together in front of Jake’s Pizza accepting donations for Bud Little. Everyone who donated any amount of money received a cup of lemonade.

“He’s a good family friend, and since I knew about him I just decided to help him,” Jack said.

Haley explained that the family was inspired to help in some way after learning of Little’s accident. Jack has hosted several lemonade stands in the past to help others, including the families who lost their homes and loved ones in a devastating explosion last year in Plum Borough.

Haley said she is proud of her son for wanting to help others. He’s also creating memories that will last a lifetime.

“It shows it’s good to help people out when they’re down, it’s good to help other people and this teaches him that,” she said.

A GoFundMe online fundraiser organized by Little’s son Andrew had raised more than $15,000 as of Friday. The Belle Vernon resident said he’s grateful for the outpouring of support.

“His (Jack’s) grandparents and my parents have been great friends for my entire life,” Andrew Little said. “When my dad found out about what Jack was doing, he was in tears for how thoughtful a gesture it was coming from such a young person. He was very overwhelmed and flooded with love from that gesture.”

Andrew added that it has been eye opening seeing all the people who have reached out to help his family.

His father has been in Conemaugh Memorial Hospital in Johnstown for three weeks since the accident and has gone through several surgeries.

To donate, go to www.gofundme. com and search for Buddy Little.