Jack Rainey, president of the Humane Society of Pike County, said his organization, like many others, could use more Madison Whites.

The eight-year-old, Crenshaw Christian Academy student exemplifies the concept of giving back to one’s community.

On Friday afternoon, Madison opened a plastic flip top box and took out $110.15 and handed it to Rainey “for the animals.”

Madison had collected the dollars, dimes and nickels over a four-month period and graciously gave it to her favorite charity.

The money Madison collected was actually for another purpose, for a family whose home had been damaged by fire.

“I was at a birthday party at Camp Butter and Egg and we saw smoke,” Madison said. “My daddy went to see what it was and it was Mr. Ron’s (Pierce) house on fire. He is such a nice man and I felt so bad that his house had burned. I wanted to do something to help him. I decided to take up money for him to help fix his house.”

The other children at the party knew about the fire so, they were eager to give their dimes and nickels to the cause.

“I asked everybody,” Madison said. “My mama and daddy, my grandmother and aunts and uncles and two cousins and they all gave money.”

When Madison had enough donations that her money box no longer rattled, she wanted to give the money to Pierce but her mom, Karon, didn’t know how to get in touch with him.

“I work at Whaley’s and Ron Pierce just happened to call one day,” White said. “I told him what Madison had done and he said to tell her that he had insurance and for her to give the money to her favorite charity.”

Madison didn’t have to think long.

“I love dogs and all animals and want them to have food and water so I said I wanted to give the money to the humane society,” Madison said.

Rainey thanked Madison on behalf of the Humane Society of Pike County.

“I wish we had more Madisons,” he said. “With the money you gave, we will be able to help some animals that have been hurt or neglected and keep a lot of puppies and kittens from being born that nobody wants.”

Madison said she was happy she could do something to help animals.

When she’s not busy with worthy causes, Madison, who lives in Honoraville, is active in the youth program and choir at her church, Union Baptist Church. She takes dancing and especially likes hip-hop but not so much ballet. She is Cougarette cheerleader and likes to cheer but also enjoys rambling around the football stadium when she’s not cheering.

Madison’s parents are Randy and Karon White. She has a younger brother, Mason who is three years old.