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Tampa woman adopts 125 kids, plans to donate extra money back to club

Posted at 6:31 PM, Nov 28, 2017
and last updated 2017-11-28 18:31:51-05

TAMPA, Fla. — The Tampa woman who posted an emotional plea to Facebook asking for help to adopt 125 kids for Christmas has surpassed her goal. 

Carolynn Smith, Tampa, first spoke with ABC Action News last week about how she wanted to adopt the kids to give them the best Christmas this year. 

The story has gained national attention as Good Morning America, Yahoo News and Inside Edition have all reached out. 

Smith tells us she made the decision after learning a lot of the kids were still up for adoption. 

Lowes has dedicated a portion of donating gifts, along with other people across the country. 

A Tampa small business is one of Smith's biggest donors. The owner of Tampa Triumph dedicated $1,000 to Smith too. 

"If it can bring a smile, that's what we need," said owner Elliot Dorsch. 

Dorsch said he saw the emotional plea on Facebook, that moved him to help donate too. 

"I just hope that its just one small amount that can help continue to help her do good things for the community."

Smith has surpassed her fundraising goal and plans to donate the extra money entirely to the boys and girls club in Belmont Heights. 

She also plans to get each child a more expensive gift, will get staff a gift, and will put money toward the holiday party.