By K.B. Sherman, Contributing Writer
Grafton – He may be only 7 years old, but Tyler Hardiman has a very big heart.
Last year he hosted a lemonade stand near his home on Barbara Jean Street, raising $1,500 for Grafton Police Sgt. Michael Mazzola who was battling lymphoma.
This year, on Aug. 25, Tyler, along with his mom Danielle and a dozen of his neighbors, again hosted a stand, this time with proceeds going to Project New Hope, MA, a 501(3)© charitable organization that offers support to veterans.
Members of the community came out in force to support the young boy’s efforts including Army veterans, members of the Grafton Police department and residents. By day’s end, over $2,500 had been raised for the charity.
Gulf War Army veteran Bill Lebeau was also there to support Tyler’s stand. Lebeau, who is 100 percent disabled because of health problems from exposure to dangerous chemicals in the desert, serves as treasurer of Project New Hope, MA.
Lebeau noted that Project New Hope hosts a retreat in Worcester for injured service veterans and their families. He said the retreat hosts as many as 20 veteran families at a time and is involved not only in support but suicide prevention/counseling and physical therapy. Worcester County alone is home to over 53,000 veterans.
For more information visit www.projectnewhopema.org.