11-year-old Dyllon Orthman of Dalhart, Texas has raised a staggering $16,000 for tornado victims in Moore, Oklahoma -- all by mowing lawns.

The story has garnered enormous publicity, and the boy's mother said it all began after her son asked if he could have $20 for a fundraiser his school was hosting.

“I told him that he could make the $20 if he mowed lawns,” she said.

But Dyllon didn't stop when he made $20, $50, or even $100.  He "adopted" a family in Moore, and mowed 87 lawns until he earned $6,000. At that point, an Oklahoma company pitched in $10,000 to the cause.

(Photo: Fox News)

When asked Wednesday what people said when he told them where the money was going, Dyllan responded with a smile: "They either said, 'good job' or, 'here's extra money for the good cause.'"

He said a few of his friends just kept riding their bikes while he was working, but a few of them actually helped mow the lawns, despite the sweltering Texas heat.

"The one thing that was in my mind [while I mowed] was the family I adopted," the child said.

Dyllon said the family was "very happy" when he made the delivery, and he's now in the process of adopting a second family. He's is also trying to raise money for a playground for his school.

“I want to thank everybody who helped me,” the generous child said. “Especially my mom, dad and sister. We had a lot of fun and laughter.”

"Best thing I have seen on the news all year," one Facebook commenter wrote.

Watch Dyllon Orthman and his mother on Fox & Friends Wednesday morning, below:

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