Dog‑loving 4‑year‑old collected empty cans for weeks — what he did with the $2,000 he raised is creating a 'domino effect' of kindness

Despite his young age, he is already spreading a message of compassion, telling supporters, 'I love you.'

PUBLISHED 1 DAY AGO

(L) A young boy holding empty bottles. (R) A stray dog sleeping. (Representative Cover Image Source: Getty Images | (L) Jose Luis Pelaez, (R) Aleksandr Zubkov)

In Oxford, Michigan, a 4-year-old boy is proving that anyone can make a big difference through a small act of kindness. What began as a simple school project to teach students about charity quickly turned into a daily mission for Easton Peterson and his family. On Tuesday, December 2, 2025, known as 'Giving Tuesday,' the family plans to present the total amount raised to K9 Stray Rescue. Easton noticed that some animals didn’t have the care or attention they needed, and he wanted to do something to help. Soon his initiative began to grow, inspiring others around him to join in and contribute in their own ways.

Little boy holding plastic cans and bottles for recylcing. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images| Photo by Jose Luis Pelaez) — Little boy holding plastic cans and bottles for recycling. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | Photo by Jose Luis Pelaez)

As reported by NBC Right Now on Sunday, November 30, 2025, Easton’s work has grown far beyond the original project. Learning that countless dogs didn’t have permanent homes left him feeling "sad" and determined to make a difference. His mother, Alexandra Peterson, said, “Every single day our trunk is completely full,” describing how they now spend Monday through Friday pushing carts and loading cans and bottles. Their efforts support K9 Stray Rescue, where intake and kennel manager Betsy Barnaba said, “These animals need us.” Over time, Easton has raised at least $2,000 through returned cans, helping fund care for dogs without homes. Barnaba added, “He's just a 4-year-old boy. The ripple effect has been unbelievable,” and Alexandra Peterson described it as “almost like that domino effect,” noting that local businesses have also started donating, as per WXYZ. “It has just been beautiful."

Stray dogs on the street. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | Nadinlargo)

Easton’s contributions will be formally recognized when he and his family visit K9 Stray Rescue to present the funds. Despite his young age, he is already spreading a message of compassion, telling supporters, “I love you.” Barnaba emphasized, “Without the help of the community… and families like Easton, we can't do what we do.” She also reflected on how the kindness continues to grow, saying, “We have dubbed it the kindness train, because it just keeps chugging along.” While Easton dreams of becoming a professional golfer in the future, his current focus remains on helping animals like his own dog, Hashbrowns.

Such young hearts have always stepped up in times of need, despite their age. One inspiring example is Sir Darius Brown, a young college student who is changing the way shelter pets are seen through a small but meaningful idea. Concerned that animals were often overlooked during disasters like Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, Brown decided to use his sewing skills to make a difference. He started creating bow ties for shelter pets, helping them look appealing and stand out to potential adopters. With each $25 bow tie sold, he donates one to a pet in need, and his efforts have raised over $500,000 to support adoption initiatives. Brown’s work, including his book "Project PAWsome: Saving Shelter Pets One Bow Tie at a Time," has even earned recognition from former President Barack Obama, inspiring him to continue finding creative ways to help animals find loving homes.