In the middle of the holiday season, sometimes the loss of a loved one can be the hardest.

So when one nine-year-old found herself grieving the death of her beloved dog, Bella, she wanted to do something special.

Milly Kukuczka had no idea what she wanted at first. She just knew that the loss of Bella was something that shouldn’t be forgotten.

“It’s been really hard the last year to watch her struggle with that,” said Milly’s mom, Ashley Kukuczka.

Molly and her dog Bella. Photo courtesy of the Kukuczka family

Using the love for her dog to inspire her, Milly embarked on a mission to ensure that other pets without homes would find a family during this holiday season.

I thought it was sad that pets didn’t have owners, especially around the holidays,” Milly said.

And like most Christmas stories, a heartwarming twist turned Milly’s Christmas wish into a community-wide effort.

“We asked her for her Christmas list and what she wanted for Christmas and she went in her art room and came out with a flier and wanted to do a pet drive donation,” Ashley said.

Her parents, inspired by her selflessness, reached out to the Dumb Friends League animal shelter in Denver, Co., where they live, as well as using social media to spread the word.

The response was overwhelming, as the community rallied behind Milly’s cause. Collaborating with the local gyms, schools and businesses, Milly and her family set up collection boxes to gather toys, treats, food and various supplies for the furry friends in need.

Molly with her pet drive sign she made. Photo courtesy of the Kukuczka family

“We’ve partnered with our gym and with her school, we’ve set boxes up there. I’m collecting some at my work, my husband’s collecting some at his work,” her mom said.

Milly sorted through the growing pile of donations, expressing joy at the generosity pouring in. “Treats, and bones, and some food,” she said, highlighting some of the donations they had received.

Once all the donations are collected, Milly will personally deliver the collected items to the Denver Dumb Friends League for the animals waiting to be adopted.

The idea behind the pet drive, according to Ashley, is simple.

Just make sure that every pet feels love even if they don’t have a home on Christmas.”

While the idea was to help remember her beloved dog Bella, Milly said she has also learned a valuable lesson through the pet drive.

“Even though you’re little you can still make a big difference,” she said.

Watch below to see how this little girl made such a huge gift to her local animal shelter!

Sources: Midland Daily News | CBS News