Detroit boy sells lemonade for the city

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DETROIT, Aug. 1 (UPI) -- A 9-year-old boy selling lemonade to help Detroit recover from its economic crisis has drawn attention from the mayor and supporters around the country.

Joshua Smith, who has been selling lemonade and snacks at the side of the road to assist with Detroit's recovery, said a Tuesday story published in the Detroit Free Press led to a phone call from Mayor Dave Bing and calls and e-mails from fellow Michiganders and supporters from across the country, the Free Press reported.

"I want you to know we appreciate your efforts," the mayor told the boy during their phone call. "I hope other young people use you as an example."

Joshua and his parents, Flynn and Rhonda Smith, said donations have also been pouring in following Tuesday's story. They said they will not take Bing's suggestion to put half of the money he raises toward Joshua's college fund.

"It would be disingenuous of us to have people come by to make donations under one premise and then turn around and use the money for our own gain," Flynn Smith said.

Detroit City Council President Charles Pugh said he plans to visit Joshua's lemonade stand Wednesday.