As the creator and owner of his own business, Jack Shallow has demonstrated savvy well beyond his 16 years of age.
But his vision for his business – along with what he chooses to do with the funds he raises through the selling of shirts, masks, bandanas and bracelets – reflects his sense of compassion, too. His main goals are to spread awareness about Down syndrome and provide financial support for various causes through his website – Jacked Up Shirts.
Jack was born with Down syndrome,and based on his experiences, he wants to “show the world just how NOT different we are.”
“My friends love watching TV and so do I. My friends love playing games and sports, so do I,” the active member of St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Cinnaminson, firmly says. “Even though I have Down syndrome, I am just like all of them.”
A longtime altar server, Jack’s faith and love of God drove him to want to help people and to give back to his community.
“I love altar serving, saying prayers, and carrying the cross at Mass,” he said.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, his business raised more than $2,000 for various charities, including St. Charles Borromeo’s COVID Relief Fund and Special Olympics, for which Jack competes as a member of the Special Olympics Swim Team.
“I’ve never seen anyone more excited for Mass than Jack. He’s an amazing young man who is always thinking about others,” added Father Daniel Kirk, pastor of St. Charles Borromeo Parish.
The burgeoning business continues to expand, aided by Jack’s immediate family. “Jack is the youngest of five siblings, and they all help with [his] business in any way they can,” said his mother, Monica.
She explained that his sisters help Jack with his social media presence and organizing raffles to raise money for various charities.
Jack’s venture has not only made a difference to his parish and community, but also to his immediate family.
“Since I had Jack, I have become so much more understanding and accepting,” Monica Shallow said. “Jack is such a gift, and he has taught us all so much.”
Looking forward, Jack is optimistic about what his business has in store. He is excited about expanding his products and creating new designs for his shirts
He is also excited about the possibility of making “Blessings Baskets” for new moms who just gave birth to a baby with Down syndrome.
“I love my business. It’s fun,” he said. “I have loved designing and making shirts, and I am excited to do more.”
Visit Jack’s business at www.jackedupshirts.com.