Written by Kathy Witt
A little boy with a great big heart has set out to help first responders help the community, one popsicle at a time.
Six-year-old Taytum Hardin spent 13 months collecting cans to raise funds to buy 10,000 popsicles for Georgetown Police and Fire Departments.
“You only get $23 for a truckload of cans,” said proud mom Susann Hardin. “That’s a whole lotta cans collected for cops.”
Eventually, this Georgetown spark plug had raised $500 and began scouting online sites with his mom to find the best deal on popsicles, putting his math skills to work in the process. On Aug. 14, Taytum turned over the popsicles to the police.
Taytum got the idea from a Pops From Cops program in Lexington, KY, where police distribute freeze pops to children and adults in the community. Mom Susann said that Taytum felt Georgetown first responders would want to do the same.
“If there’s a fire and there are kids, the firemen can give them a popsicle and calm them down,” she said. “That’s what Taytum’s done this for.
“He just wants to unite people, to let them know everything’s going to be okay,” she added. “It’s crazy right now, but policemen and firemen are helping people.”
Taytum, who at age 22 months announced he wanted to be a fireman, has always loved firemen and policeman.
“Whenever he sees one, he’ll shake their hand,” says Susann. “Every time.”
He also has been on the pageant circuit, having been named Mister United States 2019 in the AmeriFest National Pageant, and sometimes appears with his crown and sash.
Join Taytum on Sunday, October 4 for his next 10,000+ popsicle donation. Anyone is welcomed to join in on the fun. Loading will begin at 2pm at 205 Champion Way with deliveries to follow.
Taytum continues to raise money for popsicles, except now he is selling t-shirts branded with his own hashtag – #taymissionpops – and the tagline, “United we’re kool.”
The savvy, civic-minded junior entrepreneur bought 100 t-shirts from Tammy’s T-shirts of Georgetown at a discount – selling 63 of them the very first week. The tees are available in a variety of colors and sizes for the bargain price of $12 to $14 each. Every single dime of the proceeds goes to popsicle purchases.
Check out Taytum’s Facebook page for more information. Taytum also accepts popsicle donations; they can be dropped off at 205 Champion Way, Suite 8, in Georgetown.
