WARWICK, R.I. (WPRI) — Elizabeth Krause loves perusing the aisles at Ocean State Job Lot. "It reminds me of being a kid," she said. But her annual visit to the discount retailer is more than just a shopping spree. Every year, Krause heads to Job Lot to buy an assortment of clothes and toys in hopes of making the holidays a little bit brighter for families who are struggling. "It makes me feel good, doing something for others," Krause said. "It makes me sad that some kids don't have the childhood we had, and now we can give them a little of it." Krause has been donating clothing and toys to the Boys and Girls Club of Warwick for years. Lara D'Antuono, the Boys and Girls Club of Warwick's CEO, said families can pick and choose from the donations Krause brings. "We give them the dignity of shopping, and they get the Christmas experience because you choose to do this," D'Antuono said to Krause as she was dropping off this year's donations. "You don't have to do this, you choose to do this. That's how genuine I think you are." This holiday season has been much different than years past for Krause, who was the longtime owner of Elizabeth's Portofino Tuscan Grille. Krause opened the Post Road restaurant back in 2006 with her two children. But after her sister unexpectedly passed away earlier this year, Krause knew she had to take a step back. She's now preparing to retire, and recently sold her beloved restaurant to a new owner. "This restaurant has been through a lot," Krause said. "But we've survived all of it." "'Buy a restaurant, it will be fun!' they said," she recalled. "It's like being a mother to 20 people." Amy Macfarlane, a bartender at Portofino, told 12 News that Krause is the real deal. "She's kind, she's a mom, she's very philanthropic," Macfarlane said. "She understands what it's like to be part of the community." Krause said she decided to give back after she lost her son to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. "Every grieving book I read said to give back to keep his memory alive," she explained. That's why she always takes her son's memory with her while going up and down the aisles at Job Lot each year. "I think I do most of it because of him," Krause said. "It keeps him alive." "A lot of people don't remember him or that I lost a child ... he was only here for six months," she continued. "But I say to people, 'Even if I knew the ending, I wouldn't change a thing.' He's taught me so much. He's taught me to love unconditionally." Krause told 12 News she plans to give back for as long as she possibly can, and not just around the holidays. She specifically mentioned her "feed a family" initiative, in which the restaurant makes and delivers free meals to those who can't afford a hearty dinner. "We just leave it on their front steps so they don't feel embarrassed," Krause explained. "Nobody has to know, because everybody needs help." Krause also pointed out how the restaurant donated to hospice care after one of her regulars passed away. "We had a woman who was a customer here forever ... she used to drink this certain wine, so whenever someone ordered her wine, we would donate," Krause explained. "We definitely have the Christmas spirit here all year round," she added, referring to Portofino. "We do it because it's the right thing to do, and it's also just a good thing to do." Though Portofino will soon be under new ownership, Krause said the restaurant won't change much. She also plans on visiting from time to time. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now This Week in Good News SIGN UP NOW