The Little Red Wagon – Inspirational Story & Movie

There is an inspirational film out (that opened in a select Phoenix-area & Tucson theater today) about a boy who started a movement following Hurricane Charley in 2004. Have you heard of the Little Red Wagon? In the wake of Hurricane Sandy & the devastation on parts of the east coast, I think the movie & message are especially topical.

{From the press release:} LITTLE RED WAGON is based on the inspirational true story of eight-year-old Zach Bonner on his quest to change the world with nothing more than his beat-up red wagon and a blazing spirit of philanthropy. When Zach sets out to help homeless children in America in the wake of Hurricane Charley, by walking from his house in Tampa, Florida to the White House, he must overcome bureaucrats and blisters, and capture the hearts of his fractured family and the entire nation.

I’ve had the chance to screen the film and it truly is amazing what all this young boy has accomplished. His efforts to help his community in the wake of the hurricane touched my heart. An amazing heart for helping others at just age 8. But, to go on to start a foundation & then walk across the country in an effort to help homeless youth is truly incredible! Here’s some background:

Zachary (just an 8th grader now) started doing community service in 2004 after Hurricane Charlie hit Florida. In 2005 he formed the Little Red Wagon Foundation, a non-profit organization designed to help underprivileged kids with a focus on homeless youth. Zach believes we all the ability to make a change in the world if we just try.

Isn’t that incredible?!

For more information about the film, you can visit http://www.littleredwagonthemovie.com.  For those of you that are local in the Phoenix-area, the movie opened today, November 2nd, at Harkins Superstition Springs Theater in Mesa. You can find out what other cities have showings by visiting the website.

As a former jr. high/high school teacher, I think this would be a GREAT film to share with that age group about community service, good citizenship, and what can be accomplished when you really put your mind to it!

After seeing the devastation in New York and New Jersey in the wake of Hurricane Sandy, it would be wonderful if Zach’s message would inspire some to acts of community service there.

What inspiring stories have you heard lately?