DAPHNE, Ala.—Many 11-year-olds care about video games, pop music and fashion trends.

But Caroline Slaughter, a W.J. Carroll Intermediate fifth-grader, lives to serve.

As part of a community-service requirement of winning the Red Ribbon Leadership Award for her school, Slaughter has worked to ensure animals at the Daphne Animal Shelter have enough food and blankets.

For her project, Slaughter—who has two dogs of her own, Sophie, 2, a springer spaniel; and Taz, 1, a sheltie—visits local pet-related businesses and requests donations on behalf of the shelter.

“At the beginning, I was kind of shy,” Slaughter said. “My (step)dad was going in there with me at first. But then, I began feeling more confident.

“After I went to different stores, it got easier and easier.”

Slaughter—who enjoys riding horses, writing and drawing—began the project on Dec. 1. She’s brought dog and cat food, linens and a dog house to the shelter.

“I’m really involved with animals,” Slaughter said. “I think helping animals is something more people should do. People don’t help out often enough.”

Slaughter’s heart extends to two-legged beings; she wants to be a family doctor when she grows up.

“I’ve always wanted to be someone who takes care of people,” she said.

As for their furry counterparts, Slaughter's love of animals comes from time spent at her grandparents' Monroeville farm, which has horses, geese, chickens and goats.

"I just always loved animals," Slaughter said. "We always had dogs in our family."

Slaughter’s had some help in raising awareness of her cause as Mayor Fred Small drafted a letter of invitation that she presents to all store owners she visits.

“As Mayor, citizen and a father it makes me proud to know young folks like Caroline who take it upon themselves (at) a very early age to give back to the community where they live,” Small said in a statement.

Small isn’t the only one proud of Slaughter; so are Anthony Burdine, the 11-year-old's stepfather, and Tracy, her mother.

“She was very shy in the beginning, but now, she’s developed a voice,” he said. “She was very proud when Mayor Small got behind her. Her mom, Tracy, is just as proud of her as I am.”

Slaughter—whose favorite subjects are social studies and history—will continue her animal assistance project at The Haven in Fairhope.

Daphne Animal Shelter employees are grateful for the help.

“We appreciate what she’s done for the animal shelter, all the food and supplies she’s given us,” Linda Mathews, animal control officer at the Daphne Animal Shelter, said.

Dogs wrapped in blankets as they dine on kibble in their cages also enjoy her efforts.

For Slaughter, there's no place she'd rather be.

“I’d rather be outside with the animals any day,” she said.