Presley McLain, 9 years old, holds a check in the amount of $3,038 which she raised for the ACS.

Presley McLain was invited to speak at the Ventura County Community Leadership Council on Wednesday, February 10 at Community Memorial Hospital. The council consists of individuals who help initiate programs and provide services for cancer patients.

For Presley's 9th birthday she decided that instead of birthday presents she would like people to donate to the American Cancer Society. Her Grandpa Hank died from cancer and her Grandma Lou and Aunt Jana are cancer survivors, so the cause has a special place in her heart.

She spoke on why she chose to forgo birthday presents and collect donations instead. She said she has learned how much the American Cancer Society helps people and she just really wanted to help people.

Presley collected and presented a check to the American Cancer Society for $3038.

She is the daughter of Bobby and Lori McLain and is a 3rd grader at San Cayetano Elementary School.