NORFOLK, Neb. -- A young girl in Norfolk was honored by the city for her efforts to give back to cancer patients.

Ruby Thone was given the People's Power Award Monday night during Norfolk's city council meeting, for her work to give hope to patients undergoing cancer treatments.

Thone's mission, called Ruby's Rainbow of Hope, gives cancer patients care bags to help them.

Thone's bags include a cozy blanket, activity book, and other essential items. To fund her endeavors Thone ran a lemonade stand with a goal to raise $1,000.

For Ruby, her mission hits close to home as her own mother underwent cancer treatments in 2016.

"My mom, she had cancer seven years ago," Thone said. "I just wanted to come up with something that would help my community, and I decided to make care packages for cancer patients." 

During the ceremony, Thone was presented with her award, a certificate, a round of applause, and gave a low-five to the mayor of Norfolk.

Besides making care packages, Thone is a middle school student and was recently named the 2023 NAM Miss Nebraska Jr. Preteen.