ELLSWORTH – Ellsworth Middle School seventh-grader Zachary Shafer has shown everyone the true meaning of generosity this holiday season, according to EMS Principal Olin Morrison. He donated an incredible $240 of his own chore money to the EMS Student Council food drive and even used part of it to purchase a turkey for a family in need.

When asked why he chose to give so much, Shafer simply said, "I have everything I need, and I want to help those who don’t."

Morrison said Shafer’s parents supported his decision and his mother took him to the bank to withdraw the money. He is the son of John Shafer and Jennifer Tweet.

Shafer’s selfless act of kindness moved school staff beyond words, including Student Council Advisor Ms. Hutcheson.

“It’s a powerful reminder of the generosity and compassion young people are capable of and I couldn’t be more proud,” Hutcheson said.

The Student Council held a food drive competition Nov. 18-25 to collect items for the Pierce County Food Pantry. Points were awarded to advisory classes for each item donated; the class with the most points will win a pizza party.