Shaved ice stand gives back to community

As summer warms up, we’re looking for ways to beat the heat. One local business is helping us do just that, while giving back to the community.

Snow cone stands are everywhere, but one stands out, operating as a nonprofit.

Megan Higdon, 16, wants to be an artist someday, but while she waits for her junior year at Skyline High School to start, the ice is her canvas.

Higdon is one of nine employees at Summer Sno in Idaho Falls. All of them are in high school, and none of them have had a job before.

“None of them have ever opened a cash register before, or ran a dish rag,” said Becky Leatham, who owns Summer Sno.

Leatham works for the Bonneville Youth Development Council, and covered a lot of her business expenses out of her own pocket.

“I’ve found that it’s very difficult for young people to get jobs because they don’t have any experience,” Leatham said of why she started Summer Sno. “If they don’t learn it on their phone, it’s really difficult for them to learn.”

“I like working here because it kind of teaches me commitment to a job,” Higdon said.

After Leatham pays her employees and covers the cost of supplies, the rest of the money will go to charity.

“The fact that there gets to be a job is just a bonus for (the kids),” Leatham said.

Summer Sno is on West Broadway. It’s open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon to 8 p.m. on Sundays.