Rachel Beckwith asked friends and family to donate towards a clean drinking charity for her ninth birthday instead of buying her presents.
She wrote on her mycharitywater.org page about her concerns for people living without clean water.
She said: “Because they didn’t have access to clean, safe water so I’m celebrating my birthday like never before.
“I’m asking from everyone I know to donate to my campaign instead of gifts for my birthday.”
The youngster, from Washington state in the US, hoped to raise a modest total of $300.
But following her untimely death Rachel’s appeal has raised, at the time of writing, more than $345,000.
This week Rachel’s mother, Samantha, left a comment on the charity site saying: “I am in awe of the overwhelming love to take my daughter’s dream and make it a reality.
“In the face of unexplainable pain you have provided undeniable hope. Thank you for your generosity!
“I know Rachel is smiling! Thank you so much!!!”
Luke Walsh