Back when I was in school, whenever there was an extended vacation, the teacher would always want us to write an essay sharing what we did for that break. Last week, kids in Bartow County and throughout the country had their spring break. The weather wasn't exactly spring-like, but nonetheless it was a week off.

For some it was vacations to a beach, theme park, family member's homes, or just lying around at home doing leisurely things.

I know around my neighborhood traffic picked up near the playground and kids were out later than usual. On Tuesday I pulled into the entrance of my apartment complex and noticed two elementary school-aged girls standing with a sign. First thing I thought was Girl Scout cookies.

If I eat one more Lemon Chalet, Tagalong, Thin Mint or Samoa I'm going to explode. I'd already bought my fair share this year and even though I promised myself I wouldn't buy any more, I can't find it in my heart to tell the little girls no.

As I approached the girls I didn't see any boxes. As a matter fact I didn't see anything they could be selling.

Instead, I noticed a sign that read "Donations for Scottish Rite Hospital" in multi-colored elementary handwriting.

One of the girls walked up to my car and asked if I'd like to make a donation. Me, being the inquisitive person I am, asked them their purpose for collecting money for the children's hospital. The girl explained that there are a lot of sick kids that have to go there a lot. As I looked in my purse I noticed I didn't have any cash, not even a dollar bill.

As I'm searching the girl is still talking about the hospital -- she was quite a seller.

I said, "I don't have any cash, just a bunch of change."

Finally the other girl, who until now hadn't said a word, just stood back and smiled said, "That's OK, we take change."

She held out the basket, which had a few dollar bills and some change in it. As I dropped in all my change, or as I call it, my vending machine snack money, she thanked me.

She explained that even the change would help sick kids like her. "I'm sick and have to go to the hospital a lot for my kidneys," she said.

I praised them for spending their spring break helping others. They smiled and continuously thanked me. As I drove off I looked in my rearview mirror at the two young girls and wondered how many others would do such a thing on their vacations. I imagined their teachers would ask them to write an essay about how they spent their spring break and imagined the A+ they would receive for spending it in such a selfless unconventional way. Kudos to those young ladies!  Shaka S. Lias is the courts and crime reporter for The Daily Tribune News. She is a graduate of Clark Atlanta University and a native of Lithonia where she graduated from Lithonia High School.