Nationally known Pastor Rick Warren recently wrote about the “personal fulfillment and joy that comes from being good and doing good.”

That would be an apt description of 9-year-old Zachary Melancon of Glen Allen. I spoke with the Echo Lake Elementary School fourth-grader, asking him to explain why he initiated an idea that could result in brighter days for sick children who need a boost and a way to play.

Zachary is a Webkinz kind of kid. He loves the virtual plush pets and the fun that comes with playing Webkinz on the computer. There are daily activities, weekly contests, games and lots of wholesome things to do.

Zachary, a Cub Scout, wants to see sick kids enjoy Webkinz, too. So the kind-hearted boy dreamed up the idea that if children in hospitals could have laptops, they could have a diversion from their illnesses and enjoy the world of Webkinz.

He thought of how laptop computers could tap into WiFi so kids could play online while in their hospital beds.

“I’d probably feel pretty good about it,” Zachary said of fulfilling his project.

His dad, Ron Melancon, decided his son was on to something good. Now the whole family is trying to grow the idea into a project that will help others. His mother, Dawn, also supports the cause. He has a 4-year-old sister, Megan.

“This was all his idea,” Ron Melancon said. “I couldn’t be more proud of him.”

When Zachary took his idea to school, he was allowed to share it in an “announcement,” he said. Classmates and teachers have been encouraging, he said.

Now, his day care is considering becoming a collection site for laptops that can be used for Zachary’s project.

“And maybe Ukrop’s can help,” the boy said.

Zachary’s father, is trying to coordinate collection efforts so his son might realize his dream.

And it fits right in with Pastor Warren’s description of doing good.

Sounds like the laptop idea is on a roll. If you’d like to know more, call the Melancons at (804) 270-3727.