The Happy Wagon Company: Bringing Smiles to Sick Children

Unlike many children her age, seven-year-old Ellie Smith has always understood that children are differently abled and that some aren’t in the best of health. She attended preschool at the Coralwood School, a DeKalb County preschool-through-kindergarten program for both typically developing children and children with special needs, some of which are severe. In addition, her Brownie troop and soccer team have been “inclusion groups,” in which children of various abilities are put together for the benefit of all. According to her mom, Andrea Smith, “Ellie has always understood that kids can be sick, and some of her best friends have special needs. Some kids are afraid of children who are different than them, but Ellie's not.”

Last spring, though, her baby sister was admitted to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA) with a severe condition, and “it hit home for Ellie,” her mom said.  At CHOA, wagons are used to transport children when available, but sometimes when there aren’t enough wagons to go around, wheelchairs are used instead.  “Wheelchairs aren’t fun for kids. It makes them feel sick,” Ellie said. “Wagons are better.”

Ellie attended Vacation Bible School at her church last year, and the theme was “heroes.” She and her mom were talking about what it takes to be a hero in the community, and Ellie wanted to find a way she could be a hero.

The Happy Wagon Company was born.

Since the school year ended in late May, Ellie has developed her charity, which raises money for wagons for CHOA, primarily through lemonade stands. Although her business is barely more than a month old, she has already earned enough for four wagons. In addition, she’s formed a partnership with Tucker’s Cofer Brothers, who are working to get her the wagons at cost.  She’s also working with the Yellow Llama T-shirt Company, who have given her free yard signs and are helping her set up a web site to sell t-shirts. Soon, she hopes to have stickers for the wagons, indicating that they've been donated "In Memory of" or "In Honor of" certain individuals. Ellie has also developed a Facebook page, and she’s recruiting friends to help her sell lemonade. She’d love to hear from other businesses or individuals who would like to support her cause. Can you help?