MERRILLVILLE | When Hailey Perryman's Kool-Aid stand closes this week, the 11-year-old Merrillville girl hopes to have collected at least $6,500 for Riley Hospital for Children.
If she reaches the goal, Hailey will have collected a total of $20,000 for the Indianapolis children's hospital since she started the annual fundraiser in 2008, mother Jennifer Perryman said.
Hailey's fundraiser began at noon Monday as she pulled her wagon through the Young America subdivision to collect change.
The Kool-Aid stand was open from 1 to 5 p.m. Monday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday at Merrillville Fire Station No. 2, 7905 Taft St.
There is no set price for Kool-Aid. People are asked to provide a donation of their choice.
From noon to 3 p.m. Tuesday, people donating at least $5 will receive a hot dog and chips.
There will be face painting and a bake sale Wednesday, a balloon artist Thursday and a silent auction Friday.
Jennifer Perryman said her daughter decided to start collecting funds for Riley Hospital for Children after reading about the facility.
Because of the annual fundraiser, Hailey has been asked to speak about her efforts at schools and Kiwanis meetings.
"She has been recognized so much," Jennifer Perryman said.
She said her daughter plans to eventually become a doctor at Riley Hospital for Children. Hailey already has started reading medical books, Jennifer Perryman said.
People unable to attend the fundraiser can mail donations to 7914 Wilson St., Merrillville, IN 46410. Checks should be made out to Riley Children's Foundation.
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