A group helping homeless students in Palm Beach County got a big donation today, and it came from an 8-year-old.
Instead of toys, Tanner Uderitz asked his friends to give him suitcases for his birthday. His mom had heard about Abbey's Angels and wanted to help.
The group, started by high school student Abbey Peterman, gives students without a home, or in foster care a suitcase with toys, school supplies and hygiene items.
Tanner, a student at American Heritage School, was able to fill 22 suitcases at his birthday and delivered them to Crosspointe Elementary School in Boynton Beach, where they'll be passed out to students in need.
"I just wanted to help other kids," he said, noting his mom came up with the idea.
Julie Uderitz runs Transforming Kids, a non-profit aimed at helping kids make a difference in their community.
"I'm completely awestruck somebody could have such a big heart they could give up their entire birthday to give back to other people," Abbey said.
She launched Abbey's Angels when she found out there were homeless students in the school system. She started the program at Crosspointe, where her mom works.
She says there are 2,682 homeless students, or students in foster care, in Palm Beach County public schools. She wants to give them all suitcases.
She is starting with the five highest priority elementary schools, but looking to expand thanks to donations like Tanner's.
You can help by clicking here.
Abbey is also in the running for to win a cash prize from The Ellen Degeneres Show's KIND Foundation. Click here for more information.