GALESBURG, Illinois -
The holiday spirit is just part of life for a Knoxville, Illinois, youngster. He really knows that it's better to give than receive. That's why he's helping to feed needy families.
Alec Lester knows how to take a dream and put it into action. Just 12 years old, he gets a special delivery from Galesburg Mayor Sal Garza and his daughter Sophia. A $25 donation from one youngster to the other.
The Knoxville Junior High sixth grader is on a mission.
"Can you help me put this in there?" he asked.
Inside Galesburg's Aldi store, it's a unique trip. Corporate staff from Chicago even made the trek to help out.
"I know families need food," he said.
That's why he's filling carts for the Knoxville Community Food Pantry.
"Let me put this right here," he said.
Pitching in his birthday money and community donations, it adds up to more than $400.
"It makes me feel really good because I know I'm doing it for a good cause," he said.
Family and friends help Alec to complete the task. They use a calculator to track each purchase. Food that will help to meet growing demand at the pantry.
It's actually the second year for his special shopping spree.
"He sent me a card saying he was going to do it in '09," recalled Janet Derham, who directs the food pantry. "And he did. He's a very special little boy to us over there."
This is the kind of holiday gift that keeps giving. Alec is inspiring other kids to step into action and make a difference. One friend is stepping up for a local humane society while another is helping Toys For Tots.
Each item in the checkout lane will help a needy family. Families that are finding a young friend.
"When we sit down to eat, we're always thankful for what we have," said his mom, Barbara Lester. "We also realize that others don't have that."
With each load in the van, there's a lesson about giving this holiday season. Plenty of wisdom from a youngster, too.
"I hope it makes them feel really good to know that somebody actually cares for them," he concluded.
A holiday wish to remember all year long.
Alec Lester knows how to take a dream and put it into action. Just 12 years old, he gets a special delivery from Galesburg Mayor Sal Garza and his daughter Sophia. A $25 donation from one youngster to the other.
The Knoxville Junior High sixth grader is on a mission.
"Can you help me put this in there?" he asked.
Inside Galesburg's Aldi store, it's a unique trip. Corporate staff from Chicago even made the trek to help out.
"I know families need food," he said.
That's why he's filling carts for the Knoxville Community Food Pantry.
"Let me put this right here," he said.
Pitching in his birthday money and community donations, it adds up to more than $400.
"It makes me feel really good because I know I'm doing it for a good cause," he said.
Family and friends help Alec to complete the task. They use a calculator to track each purchase. Food that will help to meet growing demand at the pantry.
It's actually the second year for his special shopping spree.
"He sent me a card saying he was going to do it in '09," recalled Janet Derham, who directs the food pantry. "And he did. He's a very special little boy to us over there."
This is the kind of holiday gift that keeps giving. Alec is inspiring other kids to step into action and make a difference. One friend is stepping up for a local humane society while another is helping Toys For Tots.
Each item in the checkout lane will help a needy family. Families that are finding a young friend.
"When we sit down to eat, we're always thankful for what we have," said his mom, Barbara Lester. "We also realize that others don't have that."
With each load in the van, there's a lesson about giving this holiday season. Plenty of wisdom from a youngster, too.
"I hope it makes them feel really good to know that somebody actually cares for them," he concluded.
A holiday wish to remember all year long.
