An Oswego middle school student hopes to deliver Christmas to a needy family this season by collecting cans. 12-year-old Zac Caruso is trying to raise money to bring the family a tree, presents and food on Christmas. Our Andy Mattison has more on Caruso's cause.

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OSWEGO, N.Y. -- At the Canalot redemption center, it pays to recycle. No one knows that better than Zac Caruso. The twelve year old has collected a lot of cans in the last year, and plans to drop by Canalot frequently this holiday season. So what does Caruso want for Christmas this year?

"Um, just to give a family a great Christmas so they can experience what I've experienced in the past," said 12-Year-Old Zac Caruso. And that's his mission this month. Caruso is collecting cans to raise money to bring Christmas to one needy family this year. He hopes to have enough money to buy presents, food, a tree, and even arrange a visit from Santa.

"He's willing to give to others and take away from himself to do so he's an amazing little boy. He cares about a lot of people instead of himself," said Canalot Redemption Center Manager Jeanette Chatrau. Donations can be dropped off at any of the five Canalot locations. Zac says collecting bottles and cans is just part of the donations he's accepting."

"Anything from decorations, gifts, hats, coats, mittens, food, a tree, cans, bottles, money, gift cards," said Caruso. Caruso held a can drive earlier this year to raise money for the Oswego Animal Shelter, which has made him a familiar face at the redemption center.

"He won't go nowhere else but the Canalots. He comes here for everything and he knows we'll make sure everything's legit," said Chatrau.

"When you help people it makes you feel better and it makes life easier and it's just the right thing to do," said Caruso. And it's something Caruso hopes will give one family a Christmas to remember this year.