Congratulations are in order for a hometown entrepreneur with a big heart.

Maggie Batson is the recent recipient of the Kids Are Heroes award, a nonprofit organization that empowers, encourages and inspires children to become leaders through volunteerism and community involvement.

Maggie is one of only two children to receive the award in North Carolina since the award was started in 2008. The organization got wind of this young girl’s altruism and decided that she embodied the core fundamentals of leadership, compassion and community service.

Maggie has started a company with the help of her family that uses recycled materials to make affordable and fashionable necklaces for girls and boys of all ages. Twice Loved by Maggie B., Maggie’s jewelry is being carried in 20 stores in five states.

“This little girl has big dreams, and at only 7 years of age, has a tremendous future in front of her,” say a spokesman.

Maggie’s company, which is only in its infancy, still finds a way to allocate a portion of its profits to charity.

Necklaces have been donated to Children’s Hospital of Orange County, Open Door Home for Children, and Maggie herself has donated profits to local humane societies in Moore County.

Maggie is in second grade at Sandhills Farm Life School.

For more information about her jewelry, visit www.twicelovedbymaggieb.com.