Alex Fischer loves his parents' fire-engine red Ford F-150. It can tow and carry as much as any pickup truck its size. And to Alex, that's a lot of dog food.

Alex is a sixth grader from Goodyear, Arizona. Every holiday season, his family does something to help the less fortunate—like buying toys for needy kids. "Last year," he recalls, "I wanted to help homeless cats and dogs." His eagerness—and his parents' pickup truck—meant he could do it up BIG.

Pet Supply Drive
Alex started by calling the local humane society where his family had adopted Bruno, their dog. He asked what they needed. (To care for animals, shelters need everything from blankets to biscuits to bowls.) Next, he made flyers urging people to pitch in and donate supplies. He gave flyers to friends, neighbors, and every fifth-grade class in his school. Before long, he had collected 250 items, including kitty condos, litter pans, pet beds, and 100 cans of cat and dog food!

"My parents' truck looked like a sleigh," says Alex. "It was piled high with goodies for all the cats and dogs waiting for homes. We delivered everything in time for Christmas, making the holidays happier for them."

Next time, Alex wants to collect supplies for greyhound dogs rescued from racetracks. "My family gives foster care to greyhounds until someone adopts them," he explains. "Helping animals is important to me. My plan is to get my whole school involved."