LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – A Lubbock eighth grader is operating a hot cocoa stand to earn money to buy Christmas presents and support a local nonprofit.
William Huntsman, 13, is selling hot cocoa for $5 per cup from his stand near the corner of 53rd St. and Orlando Ave. after school.
“It’s really chocolatey and tastes really good and really warms you up,” he said.
The small business has expanded to include homemade candied pecans and brownies. The Lubbock native started the stand three years ago to earn money for Christmas gifts.
“I was young and there was no real way I could make money to get people Christmas gifts,” Huntsman said. “I make a lot of Christmas gifts, but I wanted to get people some store-bought Christmas gifts.”
The business is called “A Brownie Might Help,” with his brownies being his best-seller.
“It’s called that because some people might be going through a bad day, and a brownie might help, you know,” Huntsman said.
Huntsman plans to donate half his profits to Lubbock Impact, a local faith-based nonprofit serving the working poor. He also keeps one of their donation barrels at his stand to gather hygiene products and canned goods to donate.
“My brother actually, we’re both in scouting, me and my brother, and he is an Eagle Scout. His Eagle Project was making these donation barrels for Lubbock Impact,” Huntsman said.
He says he’s gone to the organization to help volunteer with his brother.
“You get a good feeling being in there and helping sort all of their donation items. They have a clinic there for people who need help. It’s just a really nice place and they’re always willing to help no matter what,” he said.
Lubbock Impact doesn’t receive federal or state funding, so it relies solely on community support, making every dollar count.
“They’re so grateful. They’re so grateful and they’re thankful about it,” Huntsman said. “Last year I only made like $24 to give to them. So this year I’m hoping, I’ve already made way more than that to give to them, to actually have a big impact on them.”
To follow Huntsman’s business journey, follow his Facebook page.
Lubbock Impact says any businesses, churches or individuals who are looking for give of their time, talents or treasures this holiday season and make an impact moving into 2026, can contact Raelynn Beaty at raelynn@lubbockimpact.com
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