A Clarion second grader exemplified the season of giving last week, offering a donation to the city as a result of a summer of work.
Parker Gniadecki, son of Paul and Kim Gniadecki, always wanted to have summer lemonade stand and this summer his parents finally allowed him set one up.
Initially, Parker sought to raise funds to buy himself a Nintendo Switch. However his priorities changed when he grandfather, Mike Mechem, started having health issues. As his grandfather's health started to fail, Parker began to think about other ways the funds could be used.
"He's got a big heart," said Kim Gniadecki. "I think in his own way he really wanted to try to help grandpa."
Parker discussed the matter with his grandfather and it was decided that the funds should go towards something that was special to the two of them but could also be enjoyed by the whole community.
"I asked him where he wanted it to go, and he said the Clarion Rec Center," said Parker.
Both Parker and his grandfather were avid fans of the recreation program, participating in or watching various activities.
"Some of his last days, he enjoyed watching the Clarion Rec football games," said Kim.
Parker ran his lemonade stand for about a month, selling drinks and baked goods, but that wasn't the end of his fundraising efforts. He also put his surplus of books up for sale to support the cause.
With the addition of donations from friends and family across the country as word spread, Parker raised roughly $350.
Last week, Parker offered his donation to the city, which the Recreation Department will put towards the purchase of a new portable pitching mound.
"To me, it's pretty incredible that a second grade kid does that," said City Rec Director Scott Simmons. "It shows his dedication, hard work, and generosity."
