8-year-old boy's birthday wish - collecting donations for the needy

Most children wish for toys when they blow out their birthday candles, but instead of gifts all one little boy wanted for his birthday was to help others.

Eight-year-old Davis Thomas loaded up the donations he collected for Lighthouse of Oakland County - this is his best birthday yet, one where all of his presents are for others.

"People don't have food and stuff like that," he said.

FOX 2: "So what was your wish for your birthday then?"

"To get as much food and toiletries for the homeless," Davis said.

Davis turned 8 on December 28 - and the donations poured in.

"This is amazing, this is absolutely amazing what this young man has done," said James McQueen. "I'm so proud of when kids do this, especially at his age, for him to even think of something like that."

McQueen runs the pantry at Lighthouse of Oakland County where they help the homeless and families in crisis. It gives out a three-day supply of food and there could be anywhere from 15 to 45 families in a day.

"We're going to open this up and let you put someone the shelf," said McQueen. "How about that

This was the first time Davis has been to a food pantry, and he had a chance to stock the shelves and meet the people in charge.

He found out this is pretty important work...

"I think people need lots of stuff," he said.

And he's really happy he could help.

"I feel great," he said.

Davis and his friends thought of everything from blankets to canned goods to diapers. They wanted to be able to help anyone who walked through the door.

"Davis has been talking about helping the homeless for a very long time," said his mother Tara, who is so proud. Her family has always valued service to others.

But she just didn't expect it from someone so young.

"He's 8 - and that's really amazing for him to do that - and that's something my mother and used to do for."

Tara's mother Joanne Rosenburg died last year from ALS, but her grandson is certainly following in her footsteps - and are already planning his next fundraiser for charity.

"Maybe lemonade stand?" Davis said.

Sounds like a plan, Davis. A very good plan.