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Zach Bonner walks 280 Miles for homeless Save Email Print
Posted: 4:02 PM Nov 26, 2007
Last Updated: 8:41 PM Nov 26, 2007
Reporter: Mike Vasilinda

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Zach Bonner started collecting water for the victims of Hurricane Charley when he was six. Monday he walked the last mile of a 280 mile journey to shine a light on the problem of homeless children.

It is a journey that started 23 days ago in Tampa. Zach Bonner has walked all of the 280 miles to the capital for a cause. Finding help for the 20 to 40 thousand kids that are homeless on any given day in Florida.

Ten year old Zach says no children deserve to be homeless.

"It's been really tiring and exhausting. But whenever I get really tired I just think of all the homeless kids that have to live through all the bad weather."

Zach turned ten on the journey. His mother Laurie says keeping up with him is a full time job.

"He started when he was six, when Hurricane Charley hit. He wanted to collect water from the neighborhood and he kept going for four months."

While walking Zack told us he was fired up…

"I'm really happy and excited. And I'm kind of proud of myself and my mom for walking all the way. So, yeah, it's been neat."

On stage, at the end of his journey, he speaks like a pro, glancing only briefly at prepared index cards.

"I do what I do because it makes me happy. It makes me happier than any
other thing that I do."

Zach doesn't lack for goals. Next thing on his list: dinner for a
thousand families hurt by Katrina. And then next year, building a house
for the homeless.

Some might call him amazing. Others committed. He is certainly an
individual wise beyond his years, with a heart that knows no bounds.

"So Zach, is there anything you think you can't do?"
"I don't know."

Zach believes you can blame a lot of people for being homeless, but says you can't blame children. Zach is planning to walk from Tallahassee to Atlanta next year to raise awareness for the homeless issue.

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Posted by: Sylina Location: Sylvania, GA on Dec 4, 2007 at 04:54 PM
So amazing...thank you for thinking of others

Posted by: Sandy Location: Indiana on Dec 3, 2007 at 10:29 AM
Your inspiration is so wonderful. You should apply for the Prudential Spirit of Community Award, www.principals.org

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