Thief Steals Lemonade stand Tip Jar, Police and Community Step In

 In Twins Katelyn and Elias Smidt, both 9, were expressing their entrepreneurial spirits when they decided to set up a lemonade stand in Ames, Iowa. However, business was interrupted when an unidentified woman stopped her car and stole the tip jar from their stand. The Smidt family ended up calling the Ames Police Department to report the crime. But, what followed, was not what the Smidt family expected.

 Ames Officer Celena Rohland notified fellow officers and first responders in Ames about the missing tip jar. What followed was an amazing display of support, community, and love. In less than 24 hours, officers and first responders made their trips to the lemonade stand to give business (and tips) to the young twins. "This theft was particularly heartbreaking for Katelyn and Elias and I wanted to turn their experience into something positive," Officer Rohland told Fox News. "I work with a great group of people who didn't hesitate to come together to make that happen." 

Among the supporters were not only Ames Police and Fire but also; Iowa State University Police Department, and the Story County Sheriff's Office.

 "Our street was filled with police cars and firetrucks and a whole lot of smiles," Karen Smidt said. "Because of those first responders, our kids found a renewed sense of energy and wanted to open their stand the next day…and the next day. Our community showed up in a big way and we are and continue to be overwhelmed by the support."

 The tips that the twins received is going to be donated to, Shop with a Cop, a local program dedicated to "making the holidays brighter for disadvantaged families". 

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