Lauren and Hannah Peterson, 10th graders at ACS Cobham, have been spending most of their Saturday mornings since September in an exceptional way.   They have been managing and running their own business selling Krispy Kreme donuts, coffee and other breakfast items to the spectators at the Walton International Youth Sports (IYS) events. What is even more exceptional is that they donate all of their profits to the Habitat for Humanity club at ACS, of whom they are members. Since September 2005, they have donated £460!  As the sponsor of the ACS H4H club, I was delighted when they came in after school one day and handed me the money they wanted to donate to our club. I convinced them to tell me their inspiring story.

I asked the twins to explain how the idea to create their own business for charity came about. “Well”, began Lauren, “we went with our parents to watch our little brother playing and noticed that, although it was only 9 a.m., none of the food stalls had breakfast foods for sale. There was nothing to eat but hot dogs, Doritos and cokes.” Hannah continued, “So we decided that a breakfast bar that sold things like bagels, Nutri-grain Bars, muffins, coffee and juice was needed.  We talked to our parents and they thought it was a great idea.  Then we added the Krispy Kreme donuts, and they are now our best selling thing.” 

Hannah and Lauren went on to explain how their parents’ involvement and support is a keystone to the success of their breakfast bar, in terms of initial financing, transportation, preparation and shopping.  However, when Saturday arrives, it is all up to them.  “Every Saturday morning that there is a game, my Dad drives to New Malden at 8:30 to buy the Krispy Kreme donuts so they are fresh,” continued Lauren, “and our mom makes the coffee and puts it in thermoses. But once we get to the field, it is up to us set up everything, keep track of the money, take care of all the sales, and clean up afterwards.”

They went on to explain how they recently decided to sell popcorn. They went online to EBAY seeking a popcorn machine to purchase. They found one but it was over £300. Since they did not want to have to invest the money they had earmarked for charity, they decided to write a proposal to a company in Esher called Cargill requesting a grant to purchase the machine.  They had heard that Cargill had the reputation for supporting local charities and organizations and decided to try their luck. And luck they had!  Cargill donated £300 to their cause, enabling them to buy their own popcorn machine. “It is our first formal job,” exclaimed Hannah.  Lauren added, “We have the whole responsibility and we feel good knowing we are donating to charity.”