After seeing the news about the devastating spring floods and tornadoes, first-grader Erik Ollikainen decided he wanted to do something.  One night at church, he asked people for loose change. After getting just $6, he decided he needed to do something to raise more money for disaster response.

So Erik decided to make and sell lemonade on July 2nd from 10 am to 3 pm in front of Revival Home Improvement on Main Street in Green Lane (just east of Rt. 29). All proceeds will go to Lutheran Disaster Response. Come out and help Erik help disaster survivors.  If he reaches his $4,500 goal, a local Thrivent chapter will provide $1,500 in matching funds.

If you can't be there, make out a check to Christ Lutheran Church with "Erik's Lemonade Stand" in the memo line and send it to Christ Lutheran Church, 222 Niantic Road, Barto PA 19504, in order to count toward's Erik's total.

• Learn more about the effort on Facebook.

Erik approached the borough council for permission to hold this fundraiser, offering the following speech:

"I really want to make a lemonade stand. With a lemonade stand, I would make money for people in need. The people in the south are hurt by tornadoes and floods. They need good food and water. They need wood, toys, blankies and to build homes. I need your help -- seriously."

The Council was impressed enough to waive permit fees for Erik's fundraiser. A local businessman offered the space in front of his building so that Erik would have a safe place to hold the fundraiser.  And the Upper Montgomery Chapter #31392 of Thrivent Financial is matching funds -- if Erik raises $4500, they will give him another $1500 for disaster survivors!

The intrepid first grader is the son of the Rev. Matthew Ollikainen, pastor of Christ, Niantic, and the Rev. Jennifer Phelps Ollikainen of Lutheran Congregational Services.