KILLEEN, Texas — An eight-year-old girl in Killeen is donating part of her lemonade stand earnings to the animal nonprofit Snip and Tip.
Snip and Tip is a spay and neuter program that has already neutered more than 1,000 stray cats in 2024.
Harlee Alvarez owns the business Sweet Kitty Lemonade, which sells lemonade and bracelets. 50% of the proceeds goes to Snip and Tip.
"It is basically like a cat sanctuary," Alvarez said. "They help cats in the wild, so they don't go bonkers."
Alvarez first learned how to make loom bracelets and then found out about Lemonade Day. It's a national program that teaches the youth about how to start, operate and own their business.
The 8-year-old was awarded for making the largest donation in 2024 in Killeen. She also won third place in presenting her business plan.
Her love for cats pours into her work.
"If I could, I would get all the cats in the world and make a whole cat sanctuary," Alvarez said.
Alvarez was also diagnosed with autism at an early age and still struggles with taste, texture and some noise.
"Autism is kinda like a thing in your brain," Alvarez said. "Autism can come in all different ways."
Her mother Gina Gomez says she's made so much progress and part of that is because of the business.
"She's really pushed herself to get outside of that uncomfortable spot," Gomez said. "She knows that she's a little bit different and things are a little bit different. She really pushes herself to grow outside of that and not let it define her. So I applaud that for her."
Alvarez has dreams of opening up her own lemonade shop one day.
For now, she will be selling her lemonade two to three times a month. You can find her outside of Lindy Lu's in Belton.
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