Girl opens heart, bank with gift to hospital

Gifts at Christmas time come in all shapes and sizes.

What really stands out is a gift from the heart, especially a gift to help others.

Mya Hernandez, 10, a fifth grader at Miller Grove, recently touched lots of hearts as she surrendered her piggy bank full of money to CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital in Sulphur Springs on Christmas Day. "I just wanted to be kind and help

"I just wanted to be kind and help other kids," she said. "I'd been collecting money for about a year. My bank was almost filled up. I want to make someone happy at Christmas."

The incident of kindness was reported by the hospital on Christmas Eve. The funds will be used to help others, just as Hernandez intended.

Mya's mother, Nicki Dutton, said Mya was inspired by her little brother who was born with a heart defect and she wanted to give back to help kids and others who are facing health struggles.

"Mya has always been a sweet kid. She is always helping others and putting them ahead of herself. She collected the money and wanted to spent it on others," Ms. Dutton said.

Mya added, "I think it's good to help others. I do that at school and I did it by giving this money."

The gift of kidness touched Paul Harvey, CHRISTUS Mother Frances CEO/President.

"We want to thank Mya so much for this gift to help those in need. I am proud to live in a community where people of all ages are able to impact others with their generosity. This very much supports our mission of ‘extending the healing ministry of Jesus Christ’. We thank you so much, Mya!!"

Mya said she has already started filling a piggy bank to give to the hospital next Christmas for the same cause.