Thanks to the goodness of Grace, many foster kids will have a gift for Christmas

APEX, North Carolina (WTVD) -- At just 8 years old, Grace Buckley already has a big heart. While most children are making their lists for what they want for Christmas, Grace made a list for what she could buy for kids in foster care.

"I just woke up saying I really want to buy presents for foster kids," Grace said.
[Ads /]
She didn't waste any time trying to earn money to do so. She did odd jobs for her Nanna and earned cash for each chore she completed.

Grace just turned 8, and birthday money she got, she also put into the fund to buy gifts for foster children. To earn even more money, Grace set up a hot-chocolate stand in her Apex neighborhood.

She gave away the hot chocolate, and people donated money.



In all, she saved close to $300. Her mom, Heather Buckley, couldn't believe it.



"I'm so proud of her. It was surreal to see her wanting to do this and then follow through with it," Buckley said.

Want more ABC11 Together stories? Get the ABC11 News App

With her purse filled with money, Grace went shopping at Target.

She says she had so much fun going down the toy aisles picking out the perfect gifts for the children.
[Ads /]
"I wanted to buy things that would make them happy," Grace said.



She bought kitchen sets, Barbie's, toy trucks, games, stickers, special toys that she thought would be a big hit.

"There was a whole section of toys, and I basically grabbed all I could," Grace said.



Grace decided she's going to donate all of the toys to the Methodist Home for Children in Raleigh. The President and CEO, the Rev. Bruce Stanley, said they are so touched to hear about Grace's actions.

"She's an inspiration," Stanley said. To Grace he said, "Despite the fact that you're only 8 years old, you already are a profound leader and you're inspiring other people to do beautiful and wonderful things."



Stanley says they serve about 1,500 families and the gifts will bring so many smiles to the children.
[Ads /]
"Our goal is to always make sure the children who are in our care do not feel as if they are less than or other," Stanley said.

WATCH: The Rev. Bruce Stanley talks about Grace's good deeds


As for Grace, she's still earning money so she can buy more gifts to make foster children's Christmas magical.

"They don't get that many toys like us, so it makes me happy to buy them toys," Grace said.

If you would like to help the Methodist Home for Children in Raleigh, they are still in need of gifts for teens. Here's how you can help.

Report a Typo