LAWRENCE, Ind. — This is a story about smiles.
A family in Lawrence is giving them away in memory of a loved one.
It's something they've been doing for awhile, and it's gone so well, they've made smiles their business.
"Our nonprofit is called Maddie Smiles. We started that after my daughter passed away," Paula Strauss said.
13News first introduced you to Paula and her daughter, Lacy, in 2021 as they spread smiles across Lawrence with their trailer full of frozen treats.
"We're able to talk about Maddie, make sure she's not forgotten," Paula said at the time.
Maddie was born with special needs and died at 19 after complications from surgery.
"Its a way we're able to talk about Maddie and spread her smile and her kindness," Paula said.
Maddie was known as "Moo" and her sister Lacy, "Lou." And it didn't take long for Moo and Lou's to really take off. So much so that three years later, they've traded the truck and trailer for brick and mortar.
"Feels like a dream a little bit," Lacy said. "Never really thought we'd be running an ice cream shop."
Now, Moo and Lou's Frozen Treats is open for business at 5645 N. Post Road with the same mission in mind.
"When people come in the door, they're like 'whoa,'" Paula said.
"We're really just honoring my sister's legacy and spreading her smile, and that's through frozen treats and an uplifting atmosphere," Lacy said.
There's bright colors, comfy couches and reminders everywhere to be kind.
"I had no idea this was in our future," Dave Strauss said.
But parents Dave and Paula say it means everything.
"As a dad, I couldn't be more proud of the growth I've seen with Lacy Lou and my wife. I mean, they carry Moo and Lou," he said.
The treats will cost you, but the miles of smiles are free.
"To be able to keep Maddie's smile alive and sharing it with everyone is very special," Dave said.
And the trailer isn't always parked — they still take it out from time to time. They also give out free treats to police, firefighters and others in the community every year in honor of Maddie.