Kathleen Galligan/AP - Joshua Smith, 9, right, and his friend Dwayne Durant, 10, sell lemonade and popcorn to help the city of Detroit. The city's budget deficit is more than $200 million.
The city of Detroit, in Michigan, has a big problem. This year it will spend $200 million more than it has. This is called running a deficit, and it means that the city will have to close parks and fire workers because it doesn’t have enough money.
When 9-year-old Joshua Smith heard about the problem, he decided to help. With assistance from his parents and friends, he started selling lemonade, fruit punch and popcorn near his house.
By the time he ended his sale earlier this month, he had raised more than $3,300 to help his city.
Joshua has received contributions from all over the world and a phone call of thanks from Detroit Mayor Dave Bing. He also got a visit from players on the University of Michigan’s basketball team, and he earned a $2,000 scholarship for college.
The whole experience has been a little overwhelming for Joshua.
“I’m really happy that a lot of people supported me,” Joshua said. “It was successful but tiring.”
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