By Renee Hobbs

Ten-year-old Zach Bonner walked almost 300 miles to Tallahassee. His sister Kelley and other family members and Valrico residents helped him raise more than $25,000.

"I did it," says 10-year-old Zach Bonner of Valrico, speaking of his recent 280-mile trek from Tampa to the State Capital to raise awareness about homelessness. 

Bonner says between supplies and money, he raised about $25,000 for his foundation Little Red Wagon. "It feels good that I am done, but it is sad it's over," says Bonner. "I hope it made a difference." 

Bonner, whose efforts have earned him a meeting with President George W. Bush, spent his birthday on the road in Lake City and celebrated Thanksgiving with the homeless at a dinner in Tallahassee. 

The most unusual thing that happened to Bonner on t he road? "We found a stray puppy and were able to find a home for him," he says.

Zach's mom Laurie is proud of her son and says, "It was neat to see him complete the trip."

Bonner, who's favorite part of the excursion was when he saw the Capital and "Welcome to Tallahassee" sign, says, "I enjoy helping others, it feels good and it is fun."

And he enjoys it so much that he already has his plans for next year's trip.

"I want to walk from Tallahassee to Atlanta and raise money for Habitat For Humanity," he says, adding that he would like to collect enough cash to build a house for someone and has set aside November 1-29 of next year for his venture. 

Bonner says all he needs now is sponsors and to convince his mother.

"I guess we're going to do it because he has already told everyone we would," says Laurie.

This month Bonner is visiting Louisiana for a holiday celebration with the kids that are still homeless from Hurricane Katrina and he is also up for the "Butterfly Award" from Volvo for Life. If he wins, his foundation will receive $25,000.

"And I could do so much good with that money," says Bonner.