Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request in English. Please answer in English.

### Instruction:
Jillian, Savannah, and Clayton were collecting shells on the beach. Jillian collected 29, Savannah collected 17, and Clayton collected 8. They decided that they wanted to give the shells to two of their friends who had just arrived. They put their shells together and distributed them evenly to each friend. How many shells did each friend get?

### Response:
The kids collected 54 shells because 29 + 17 + 8 = <<29+17+8=54>>54
Each friend got 27 shells because 54 / 2 = <<54/2=27>>27
#### 27