From Zach's House to the White House

(CBS)

When meeting 11-year-old Zach Bonner, the first thing that comes to mind is his deep devotion for a cause that has taken him on a 1,225 mile journey spanning 3 years. In an epic trek from his home in Tampa, Fla. to the White House, Zach has raised awareness for the 1.3 million homeless children living in the United States.

Bob Schieffer spoke with Zach after reaching his destination and asked the "young philanthropist" if he ever felt like giving up.

"There were definitely times during the walk where you get tired and you don't want to go any further, but a child that's homeless doesn't get to quit being homeless, so why should I quit?" he answered.

Zach also spent 24 hours with homeless children and spent the night in a Sasha Bruce Youthwork's emergency shelter. He did chores alongside them, ate with them, and slept in the same dorm rooms. He is now raising $2,000 to buy 10 new mattresses for the shelter.

In his online journal Zach writes, "No child should be through the things they have been through only to find themselves homeless. I walked away with a better understanding. I can never really understand what their life is like, but I can continue to try and make it better for them. They deserve it."

Zach will soon head to Hollywood as the inspiration for a motion picture produced by the Philanthropy Project and will receive a check for $25,000 from Elton John to his Little Red Wagon Foundation, which Zach created in 2005.

Watch Bob Schieffer's interview with Zach Bonner and catch Washington Unplugged live every weekday at 12:30pm.

[rsmithers1950]

I went and read more of his journal and then I looked at his comments on Twitter. It seems like a kid does something and people just awwww without even looking. I bet a lot of people would be happy to do what this kid did....the main thing he talks about is the donated meals he and his family got from places like Outback. Then there is the new and free donated car for his family. It isn't really charity when you are the one getting the greatest benefit. Most of us would have to take 6 months or more of our income to buy a new car. Why weren't the meals and the car and all the other freebies donated to the actual homeless kids?? There are a lot of people who NEVER get recognized for their work to help others and who spend their own money and refuse to take anything for themselves at all to do good for others....those are the real philanthropists out there! Sorry to be the mean one, but I am questioning the kid's family getting a car and asking the rest of us to donate $2000 for matresses. Why don't they use the money they would have spent to buy themselves a car or is this so called "good deed" supporting their family because if so, then it really is not true philanthrophy!

[democracy1]

You really are a bit of a cynical jerk, aren't you?

He's a little kid who has the guts and determination to do something to RAISE AWARENESS so that people WILL see this as a cause that requires attention.

If other people/companies respect his drive and want to contribute to his attempt so that he can accomplish it, don't you think in the long run that it will help to help him achieve that goal?

Yes, his family may have benefited by these donations so that he could accomplish what he set out to do, but if you think for a moment that they are any the wealthier for it, then you are simply a cynical brainwashed fool!

The time and effort that they have put into this is their contribution. They don't appear to be the wealthy types that could simply bankroll this by themselves.

I'll leave you with one last question: What have YOU done for this cause ina ANY way? Especially compared to what this kid has done? My guess is that you have done NOTHING but to get on here and flap your jaw and be negative!

If you want to be so critical of this child's efforts, then I suggest that YOU go out and put YOUR money where your mouth is and bankroll your OWN 1,225 mile walk without anyone else's help.

As for me, I appreciate the fact that he is doing this to raise awareness so that other people will help homeless children and I am willing to help that cause.

[frs23]

rsmithers1950:
You are not only mean but totally uninformed. Zach's family did NOT benefit from meals or a car... everything that was donated on his walk was directed toward the Little Red Wagon Foundation, a nonprofit organization, just like anyother nonprofit, that accepts gifts so they can raise awareness and funds for the cause it supports.

So, next time you feel everyone is entitled to your opinion, best to be fully informed and educated on the subject.

[antoniof123]

What a great kid...