Two compassionate sisters have turned empathy into action by designing and selling t-shirts to raise funds for children's homes in The Bahamas. Summit Academy students, Melissa and Shari Smith, both members of the 77th Nassau Brownie Pack and St. Francis Xavier's Cathedral, are hard at work drumming up sales for their worthwhile cause.

Last year, the girls collected items to donate to the Bilney Lane Children's Home. The youngsters arrived at the home with their parents only to discover the home closed. After making inquiries, the family learned that the children had to move from the home because of its physical condition and that a permanent housing solution was being sought for the children who had resided there. Around the same time the girls heard appeals that other children's homes were in need of funds.

Nine-year-old Melissa (then eight) decided that she wanted to "do something good" to be a part of the solution.

"Brownies help other people and think of others," said fourth grader Melissa. "As Brownies, we want to lend a hand," said fifth grader Shari.

Melissa came up with the idea of selling t-shirts. Ten-year-old Shari quickly jumped onboard helping to choose the design. The girls decided upon a unisex color for the t-shirt and went with purple paired with a vibrant aquamarine, Melissa's favorite color, for the graphics.

After brainstorming on the message for the t-shirt they decided that Melissa's original thought to "do something good" was perfect for the front. The back of the t-shirt features the interlocked hands of an adult and a child, symbolizing the idea that by working together children and adults can create positive change "today, tomorrow and every day".

The girls launched their charitable venture over Christmas. They quickly sold out of their first batch. Now in receipt of their second batch of merchandise the girls have set a goal of selling 300 t-shirts by Easter Monday, Shari's 11th birthday. The profits will be shared between children's homes in The Bahamas. The shirts are available in adult and children's sizes.

"We think they are beautiful and we hope people buy the shirts to help," said Melissa.

The t-shirts are $12 each and may be ordered via email, dosomethinggood242@gmail.com or by contacting Summit Academy at 394-4781.

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