Meet the Windsor girl who's raised thousands to bring toys to kids in hospital
'It makes me feel better knowing I'm helping a lot of people,' says Alexis Donnelly
Christmas is coming to kids at Windsor Regional Hospital thanks to the hard work of Alexis Donnelly.
Donnelly, a 12-year-old student at Assumption College Catholic Middle School, has raised $5,000 to buy gifts for children in the pediatric ward.
"It makes me feel better knowing I'm helping a lot of people," Alexis said, sitting in a room with a massive pile of boxed toys behind her.
LISTEN: 12-year-old raises thousands for kids in hospital
Those gifts will be dropped off at the hospital's Met campus Friday morning. The hospital provided a wish list with items such as Play-Doh and Lego.
This is not Alexis's first year doing the toy giveaway. This year, she held an event at the Fogolar Furlan club as part of her fundraising efforts.
Her mother, Christine Donnelly, says having a child like Alexis is a blessing.
"You don't see 12-year-old children her age wanting to give, it's more the receiving end of things," she said. "But she's more selfless and kind, and just her heart is in the right spot. So, her father and I are very, very proud of her."
As for Alexis, she says she plans to continue the fundraisers in the coming years.
"The only present I really need is my family," she said.