CONCORD, N.C. -- Learning on an empty stomach can be tough. Which is why 9-year-old Alex Ragan decided to reach out to the community and raised more than $350 to help pay off school lunch debts for his fellow students. 

Now Alex is encouraging others his age to follow in his foot steps. 

"Take action and see what your school needs first," says Alex, "and then take the action to help or do what your school needs.”

Alex says he hopes to continue to raise more money for school lunches.