12-year-old Boy Scout has turned into secret Santa, buying Christmas presents for over a hundred children in foster care and shelters who might not otherwise get to enjoy the holiday season.


Jonathan Werner said he was inspired to carry out his philanthropy project after hearing about his father's own childhood experience in foster care.


"Based upon stories that I have from him, it didn't really sound like they had much of a Christmas," he told "Good Morning America."


This year, 138 children across four Minnesota counties – Kanabec, Isanti, Pine and Chisago counties – as well as some children in part of Anoka County will receive basic necessities and personal care items some requested and gift cards and toys Jonathan selected for them. 


He chose the items on multiple shopping trips based on lists that local social workers he partnered with would share with him to help guide the process.


The seventh-grader said he bought about 600 presents overall, totaling approximately $11,300.


To fund the gifts, he sold popcorn to local community members and this year, he made more than he was expecting.


But throughout the journey, Jonathan said he's simply happy to give back.


It also makes me really happy to know that kids that wouldn't really get a Christmas are getting a Christmas because of my project," Jonathan said.


His parents say they couldn't be more impressed. "I'm proud of what he chose to do and the number of people that he can reach with this project," Steven Kolk (father) told "GMA."