WINCHESTER, Ky. (LEX 18) — Winchester teen, Olivia Durphy, only wanted one present this Christmas: to give away all the money her mother would have spent on her to charity.
"There was a part of me that didn't want to do it because I didn't want her to be hurt on Christmas morning, but I'm glad I honored that request," Olivia's mother, Jessica Durphy, said.
Olivia and her mom were searching for a charity when they learned about "Buy a Tree. Change a Life." through church.
The nonprofit helps children both internationally and locally.
Jessica donated $750 to the nonprofit, and the money went straight to six orphan girls in Cambodia.
"The fact that it helped six girls my age meant the world to me, and that was the best thing, so I'm extremely happy," Olivia said.
Olivia never expected anything in return until her mother had a present for her to open on Christmas morning: a box full of letters from the six girls she helped.
Jessica snapped a few photos of the touching moment and shared them on Facebook. To date, the post has 72,000 shares and 96,000 reactions.
With all the attention the post has brought to her family, Olivia tells LEX 18 that she wants to redirect the spotlight to those in need.
"Give back," Olivia said. "It makes you feel really happy that you're just doing good for other people."
The founder of the nonprofit has arranged for Olivia to travel to Cambodia and meet with the six girls in the orphanage.
