Not all philanthropists are rich. A few coins at a time is how Chen Shu-chu earns a living. She works up to 18 hours a day, 6 days a week. But no matter how much she earns, she spends no more than three dollars a day on herself. With the rest, she helps other people.

Poverty is something Ms. Chen has struggled with almost all her life. She quit school to help support her family after her mother died during a difficult childbirth. Her brother died a few years later, also because her family couldn't afford proper medical care. But instead of getting angry, the tragedies inspired her to help the less fortunate.

Many children have grown up on the money and vegetables she donates, and the charity has built a second home in another city. Her generosity is frequently met with shock. And I'm surprised and then I say, "Wow, you give me one million?" I say, "I thought it's five thousand or ten thousand. That's a big money already." And I say, "Wow, what can I do?" I say, "What can I do?" I ask her. She says, "Well...what do you want, what do you plan, you do it, and just help the kids."

Her charity donations have made Ms. Chen famous around the world. She's received multiple honors and awards, including this one from the Filipino president, where she was awarded 50,000 dollars. She promptly gave the money away to this local hospital. That inspired an outpouring of donations, and a new medical wing. Despite the hard work and back and knee problems, Ms. Chen has no plans to retire.