Henderson, N.C. — Shannon Hatchel spends her summer the same way many 17-year-olds do – working. But that’s where the similarity stops.

Shannon works at CVS in Henderson and brings home a good chunk of change. The difference is, she donates most of it to charity.

“I just think people that don’t have it, they need it,” she said. “Why use it on me when people really need it, when I already have all I need?”

Since October, Shannon said, she has donated close to $2,000 to various charities. She learned the importance of giving back from her uncle, she said. He died of lung cancer last October.

“He was always going out of his way to help somebody out who had a need,” said John Hatchel, Shannon’s father.

Shannon now carries that legacy.

“As long as I have money, whoever asks, I will donate,” she said.

Shannon's most recent donation was to Jesica's Hope Chest, a non-profit that raises funds for critically ill children. And for the girl who said she doesn't deserve any type of recognition, Shannon got something back in return recently.

Mack Mahoney, with Jesica’s Hope Chest, presented her with four box-seat tickets to a Carolina Mudcats game.

“I’ve got grandchildren and daughters,” Mahoney said. “I raised some girls, and I know what they do with their money. And usually, it’s not giving it away to charities.”

Shannon said she doesn’t give away all her money. She keeps just enough to make her car payments.