Within seconds of meeting Gray, you can tell she is all about family - and not just her own seven biological adopted and foster children. She also helps others through her nonprofit, "Help Mates For Hope."
"We house mothers and children, veterans, anyone that's on the street that need a roof over their heads," Gray explained. "We give away bags to foster children that are entering the system. We have backpack giveaways and we're always having toy drives. I didn't think anyone paid attention to what I was doing."
MORE: MacArthur Park single mom nominated for ABC7's 'Pay It Forward' contest
Alejandra Celestino of LA's MacArthur Park nominated for ABC7's 'Pay It Forward' contest
Her friend Char sure did, nominating Gray and calling her a "cheerful giver."
Now, this Harbor City mom wants to take the "Pay It Forward" furniture prize and use it to buy new beds for those needing transitional housing.
"I don't need anything. There's a lot of people out there that need a lot, so I'd rather give than receive," Gray said.
Gray is one of three "Pay It Forward" finalists announced this week leading up to Friday's big reveal. That's when the grand prize winner of $10,000 from Mathis Brothers will be announced. The other finalists also win $1,000 in furniture.