When a deadly storm hit Springfield, Va., a large 60-foot oak tree crushed and damaged Elissa Myers’ home. Luckily, her 8-year-old neighbor Johnny Karlinchak came to her rescue.

When Johnny saw the damaged home after the hurricane, he ran to his piggybank and emptied his entire life savings, all $1.25 of it, to hand over to his distraught neighbor.

Unfortunately, he later found out that her deductible was much higher than he anticipated; Myers owed a total of $500. Determined to help, Johnny set up a lemonade stand to earn the rest of the money. After the story became public, Johnny had gone from raising $21 to an amazing $700, more than his anticipated goal.

When asked why he initiated all of this, Johnny explained that his sister died in a car accident four years ago. At that time, all of their neighbors helped and supported the family. This was simply Johnny’s way of giving back.

“I lost many, many things that day. But things did not make me cry,” a grateful Myers said. “The overwhelming kindness of Johnny did.”