Zach has been a key benefactor to Centro Latino families in need especially at Christmas time with gifts galore for our children. He and his Dad, Matthew drove a U-Haul from Michigan to Kentucky in December for several years loaded with gifts for people in need in Shelbyville. Zach is winding down his philanthropic work as he will be attending Michigan State University this fall.
For the last four years Zach has raised funds for Camp Centro Latino, a four week summer camp where volunteers help elementary school children improve their math and reading skills. Fun activities such as games, art projects, swimming and movies make our summer camp a popular event. “Zach’s generosity,” comments Executive Director Sister Pat Reno, “towards those in need has been remarkable.”
Zach’s unusual journey to Centro Latino begins in Shelbyville. He was born here and at six years of age his family moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan. It was his love for his birthplace especially folks like his Grandfather Gary Walls, Shelby Life Editor, that created the impetus for Hometown Initiative. Hometown Initiative was the philanthropic website he used to capture the hearts of caring friends, family and even strangers around the Midwest. Their donations delivered from Michigan – truckloads of toys, school supplies, winter clothes and other valuable items so appreciated by Centro Latino families.
As focused as Zach was on his good work he also found time to play on his Varsity tennis team at Father Gabriel Richard High School in Ann Arbor. He served as a co-President of his junior high school class.
Christ called us to help one another are the exact words Zach uses on his website. “By all of us donating just a few dollars, we can help,” Zach explains. All of us at Centro Latino are not only thankful and proud of Zach and what he has accomplished, but we will hold him in our hearts and minds as he enters college and adulthood.
