Pomona leaders honor children for humanitarian work

They are 19 children, some of whom live in Claremont, Glendora or La Verne, who got together to help two Pomona families who were victims of a fire this summer.

 

Thursday afternoon the children were recognized for their humanitarian efforts during a brief ceremony at Pomona City Hall.

 

In August the children approached Henri Mascorro of La Verne and asked how they could help the Henrys and the Van Allens. 

 

The children knew that the Van Allens are friends of Mascorro.

 

Each year the children set up a lemonade stand and this year the children decided they could raise money to help the Van Allens. Their efforts produced more than $1,100. 

 

Cuatli Kimbwala, 9, and his sisters Kikesa and Kiese were all part of the effort. 

"It was really fun," Cuatli said Thursday.

 

Everyone worked making signs, squeezing lemons and taking care of customers, he said. 

 

"We had a big arrow that pointed to the lemonade stand," he said, adding that when their work was done they ate some of their left over inventory which included home-baked cookies and other pastries.

 

Mayor Elliott Rothman, Councilmembers Paula Lantz and Steve Atchley along with City Manager Linda Lowry were present for the ceremony that called for presenting certificates to each of the children who range from 4 to 16 years.

 

The effort the children participated in "is probably one of the best experiences you'll ever have," Lowry said. 

 

She added that lending a hand can become a source of joy.

 

"Giving to others becomes something better for you the more you do it," Lowry said.

 

Lantz told the children their actions profoundly touched the affected families who will never forget what they did for them.

 

"Thank you all for pulling together," she said.