(CNN) Hayley Orlinsky wanted to fundraise $200 for Chicago's Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's hospital by making colorful rubber band bracelets. A few months and over 8,000 bracelets later, Orlinsky, 7, has raised over $20,000, helping the hospital purchase personal protective equipment (PPE) and support research efforts. The Chicago second-grader began the project with an apparent knack for entrepreneurship -- she sold the most cookies in her girl scout troop last year -- and a desire to spread kindness in response to bullies who made fun of her height. "When I was three years old, I got bullied for being the shortest kid in the class, and my mom wrote a book about it, and it was my moment I knew I wanted to spread kindness everywhere," Orlinsky said. When asked if she understands what a significant financial contribution she's made to her hometown hospital, she smiled.

Source: CNN December 12, 2020 06:00 UTC