While Kyia Taylor was dining at Ryan's restaurant in Cambria County, she noticed a Christmas tree adorned with paper ornaments.

A closer look revealed the ornaments were made by area children. On the ornaments were the children's wish lists of items their family might not be able to afford this Christmas.

The 15-year-old plucked two ornaments off the tree before ordering her meal. But, as she ate, she saw how many were still left on the tree. Before leaving, she had donated the last of her Christmas money -- about $100 -- so other kids have a present on Christmas morning.

"It's sad the way little kids have to put their names on trees in order to ask for stuff for Christmas," Taylor said. "I sat down and cried on my mother's shoulder because (of seeing) little kids ask for stuff."

The Richland Township restaurant has worked with the Alternative Community Resource Program for the past five years. Managers of the restaurant put up the tree in hopes that their customers would help out -- and they have. Organizers said they're pleased that someone as young as Taylor is sacrificing to help others.

"There are good children out there and … they are thinking from the heart and truly have the Christmas spirit," Beverly Bender of the ACRP said.

Greg Shroyer, hospitality manager at Ryan's restaurant, said, "It's pretty outstanding to see that kids want to take it on their own to better the lives (of those) that don't have it."

When the children see their gift returned with their ornament, organizers said it makes it even more special.

"Little kids want to look under their trees on Christmas morning and say, 'Santa came!' Those little kids, they just want to look under the tree and see something for them," Taylor said.

Taylor said if she had more money she would have bought presents for all of the kids, but she is not the only big giver. Another customer who works at Atlantic Broadband saw the tree and raised $200 at work. Ryan's restaurant matched that donation.