2020 reached a new low when two young boys operating a lemonade stand in Illinois were robbed at gunpoint last week. As reported by the Peoria Journal Star, the incident occurred in the East Bluff neighborhood of Peoria shortly before 5 pm local time.

Two older kids approached the children, with at least one individual brandishing his weapon, and quickly seized the children’s cash box before leaving the scene.

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You can see local coverage and a surveillance video of the incident below.

Local police reports confirm at least one of the suspects had a weapon and that a police investigation was underway.

Fortunately, as the father said, community members stepped up in a big way to encourage the kids.  They purchased lemonade and in some cases provided $20 a cup, to help the kids recoup their losses and much more.

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One individual even went and purchased a bunch of chips and candy and brought them to the children so they could sell them as well.

In fact, the boys have kept up their stand and upon opening it again, they were met with a slew of police officers who came to show their support, all purchasing lemonade.

Their father, Nathan Peterson, was blown away by the outpouring of support and said the following in his below Facebook post.

“The boys continued their lemonade stand today. The moment they opened, a parade of police cars, led by an armadillo, pulled up! SO MANY officers, including the Police Chief, surrounded the boys, handed them a gift of money they’d raised, and let them know that they have their backs. Then they all bought lemonades. I may have cried a little.

He continued, “Meanwhile, the community flooded the boys with business, kind words, honks, love,” the father revealed. “Beauty and life can be found in even the darkest circumstances, if we look. Sometimes it’s really hard to see it. This time, it was impossible to ignore. Our hearts are overwhelmed by the love and support of the community — people from totally different backgrounds, police, everyone — all rallying around these boys.”

He finished the post by saying, “I’ve spent the last several years writing about finding life in the midst of chaos — to see it happen in real life, in my neighborhood, with my kids, is so special.  I’m feeling proud of Jude today. I’m also feeling proud of this community, and just generally proud of the human race at the moment.”

The world has undoubtedly become a more dangerous and volatile place, and gone are the days of “come home when the street lights turn on,” but there are still good people willing to do the right thing. As upsetting as this incident was, the results should have everyone feeling at least somewhat encouraged.