A Bay-area girl with a heart of gold has made it her mission to make a difference and help families affected by Hurricane Matthew.

Madeline Fox, 8, was learning about volunteering, civility and respect in her social studies class at Carrollwood Elementary School when Hurricane Matthew hit Haiti.

"I couldn't stand that they're getting hit and killed and losing their homes," Madeline said.

Her mom, Erin Fox, said it inspired Madeline to take action.

"She went in her room and came back out with a flier that she made and said, 'I want to do a fundraiser to help these people,'" Erin Fox said.

Erin took her daughter's flier and started an online fundraiser, and that act of kindness spread quickly. She has raised more than $2,000 and isn't stopping anytime soon.

"That's not even my goal yet," Madeline said. "My goal is $3,000 now."

As Madeline continues reaching for her goals, Erin hopes people see a bigger message.

"I know there's a lot of negativity, it's everywhere right now: elections, everything that's going on globally, the hurricane," Erin said. "We still have light in the world that one little girl who is 8 years old has that initiative. She's like, 'I'm going to do this and it can be done, just need to not give up.'"

Added Madeline: "My motto is treating others the way you want to be treated. It's truly the golden rule and can help a lot."

If you would like to know more about Madeline's fundraising efforts, go to razoo.com/us/story/Hurricanematthewrelief.