POST FALLS - Joshua Plew's drive to make a difference for those in need has won the hearts of his neighbors and teachers.

Collecting food for the Soup-er Bowl, Post Falls Middle School's recent drive to benefit the Post Falls Food Bank - to the point the shoulder straps on his backpack were tearing due to the weight - will do that.

"I jokingly suggested he use a wheelbarrow, wagon, something," said Elizabeth Collings, a neighbor of Plew's in the Fieldstone subdivision.

"So he came by the next day and asked if he could use our daughter's wagon. Then I noticed him daily walking around the neighborhood pulling a little tike's wagon to collect food. Not too many eighth-graders would be seen doing that."

Plew collected nearly 300 cans of food after school over two weeks, the most in his school and surpassing his last year's total of 190.

"I like to challenge myself," Plew said.

But he's also quick to give credit to others.

"The real credit goes to my teachers, my family who gave me love and support and, most of all, the community for giving out food," Plew said.

Collings said Plew's courteous behavior is an example of how something can catch on and ultimately lead to great things for those in need.

"I think if more of our youngsters displayed his endurance, our communities would be more enriched," she said.

PFMS collected 2,082 pounds of food in the drive, surpassing the school's goal of 1,300 and last year's total of 1,138.

Sherry Wallis, food bank director, said Post Falls students have been a long-time supporter of the food bank and Plew's efforts shows that some youth care enough to make a difference.

"Students have brought thousands and thousands of food to this food bank," Wallis said.

Plew also serves through his leadership classes at school, the National Junior Honor Society, tutoring other students, the school's family fun night and as a student body representative. Last year he won a Mayor's Youth Award for his efforts. He also competes in baseball and wrestling.

"Josh is an ideal leadership student because of his big heart and willingness to volunteer," teacher Diane Haney said. "He is not one to sit back and let things happen to him. He's not worried what others think of him, which is a refreshing trait for a middle schooler."

Plew said it's his responsibility to serve the community, his school and family.

"It makes me feel good," he said.