Twelve-year-old J.J. Fielding has done a lot of growing up in a short amount of time.

The Wareham Middle School student helps care for his grandmother, Mary Ellen Fielding, who has been his primary care provider since he was born. On a tight budget, Fielding said she’s always mindful of “what we need, not necessarily what we want.”

That’s going to change this Christmas. Both were selected for the United Way of Greater New Bedford and Fun107’s Holiday Wish Program. That’s when the radio station calls on Southcoast listeners to donate in order to help deserving families.

Fielding, who was nominated for the program by Gleason Family YMCA staff, said she was hesitant to accept the offer. She said as an active parishioner at Wesley United Methodist Church and volunteer at the Wareham Council on Aging, she’s usually the one convincing people to accept the generosity of others.

“I don’t feel comfortable asking for all this,” Fielding told Fun107 host Michael Rock after learning the news.

“It’s your turn,” he reassured her. “We’re going to see if people can help you out.”

Fielding said she and J.J. are there for each other. Her husband passed away in 2015 and she’s had a recent battle with cancer. Currently, she’s living with multiple sclerosis and J.J. has stepped up to help her run the household.

“He takes on the responsibilities of an adult even though he’s a child,” said Fielding. “He’s a kid loaded with compassion.”

He’s an excellent student at Wareham Middle School, too. Fielding said she’s hopeful he’ll earn a scholarship to attend Tabor Academy in Marion.

Fielding learned about being chosen on Nov. 16 when she and J.J. met with Rock at the YMCA. When asked about his Christmas list, J.J. was modest.

Rock urged him to consider some gifts that would otherwise be out of reach. He answered that a new Playstation 4 would allow him to practice games so he could play with his friends.

“That would make your Christmas?” asked Rock.

“It wouldn’t just make my Christmas, it would make my whole year,” said J.J.

Soon after, J.J. was asked to leave the room and Fielding was told that a new Playstation and some other items on his wish list may end up beneath their tree this year.

“I feel like I just won the Powerball,” she said. “This is a dream.”

Debbie Fringuelli, the YMCA’s executive director, said the family was a good choice for the Holiday Wish Program. Even though she isn’t a YMCA member, Fielding is well known throughout town for her charitable work, noted Fringuelli.

“It was important that we recognized that and are so glad they were chosen, no one deserves this more,” said Fringuelli.

Fielding said while she’s still hesitant to accept, she knows J.J. will be grateful.

“Hopefully, we’ll make him a very happy boy,” said Fielding. To donate to the Holiday Wish Program, text WISHES to 313131. Donations go directly to the United Way of Greater New Bedford’s Holiday Wishes Fund.