On a scorching summer day, 9-year-old Ethan Wargo decided to spread kindness in the coolest way possible. Instead of selling lemonade, the Illinois fourth-grader set up a “Free Compliment Stand”… offering uplifting words to anyone who stopped by.
Ethan’s idea sparked after reading the Dog Man graphic novel, where a character opens an “insult stand.” Ethan knew that wasn’t the message he wanted to send.
“I thought, why not do the opposite?” he told CBS News.
Launched in mid-July, the booth began quietly. But after Ethan’s dad, Brandon, shared the idea on social media, things took off fast. Neighbors and strangers started showing up… not for a cold drink, but for a refreshing dose of positivity.
“It really blew up,” Brandon said. Ethan’s mom, Jessica, admitted she was surprised by how deeply the simple gesture touched people. “It’s just very heart-warming.”
Ethan admits it’s not always easy to come up with the perfect compliment, but he never gives up. “I usually just persevere,” he said.
From shy smiles to laughter, Ethan’s stand has turned into more than a local attraction… it’s a reminder of the power of kindness in a world that could use more of it.
“If you had that idea, I’d definitely compliment you on it,” Ethan added with a grin.
