Most 11 year-old boys probably spend their summer-job money on a new bike or video games. But one special young boy is an exception.
Dyllon Orthman of Dalhart, Texas, recently donated $16,000 to a family who lost their home in the deadly Oklahoma tornado -- raising most of the money from mowing lawns, NewsChannel 10 reports.
"They [the family] need a home," he said. "I personally want a Playstation, but I'd rather give the need than take the want."
Through the relief organization OK Strong, Orthman found the Hudsons, a family of eight whose two-bedroom home was destroyed during the tornado. Once Orthman heard about their story, he decided to give them $6,000 worth of Lowes gift cards. Quality Integrated Services, a pipeline and telecommunications support company, got word of Orthman's good deed and donated $10,000 to the Hudsons in his name, NewsChannel 10 reports.
Orthman first got involved with efforts to help the tornado victims through his school's fundraiser, according to ABC News. After raising a few hundred dollars, Orthman's mother took him to visit Moore to see the aftermath for himself.
In a recent interview, he told ABC news that he felt depressed once he saw the damage from the tornado -- which killed 24 people and devastated 4,000 homes and business, according to the Associated Press.
When he returned to Texas, he decided to keep working in the hot summer weather to raise more money for the town. After mowing almost 90 lawns and donating the money to the Hudsons, Orthman still felt he had to thank his family for their help in his cause.
“I want to thank everybody who helped me,” Orthman told ABC News in a recent interview. “Especially my mom, dad and sister. We had a lot of fun and laughter.”