You hear many stories of people winning the lottery, and later squandering it all away on booze, fast cars, and faster women. These people usually turn out to be depressed losers, with empty pockets and no friends.

But vary rarely do you hear of people who perform selfless acts, which inspire and bring joy to others around them. I was reading a news article on a grocery store owner in Medford, Oregon, who donated his share of an $800,000 lottery prize to two elementary schools in the region.

The person, who bought the ticket at the store, was lucky enough to win the lottery, and won an $800,000 payout for matching the required numbers in the game.

The store, "Sherm's Thunderbird Market” was awarded $4,000 for selling the winning ticket - this was probably a commission bonus. Now, while most people would normally spend the money on themselves or loved ones, maybe take a partner out for pampering, go on holiday, go shopping etc, this particular store keeper decided to give the money away to two local elementary schools.

The owner, Sherm Olsrud, split the money into two equal payments of $2,000 to give to the schools. Olsrud says, "The schools need the money because both are located in low income areas of town and that many children get their o

The thought of offering the money for a just cause is something that should be commended, as far as I' am concerned, especially when it is not the responsibility of the person with the money to do so. It should be down to the local governments to find ways of generating revenue for schools to benefit from. Lack of funding in schools and colleges is always a hot topic for debate, and there has been local and national coverage on the subject. Low prosperity areas seem to get the least amount of funding and support, especially where the development of buildings and other important resources are concerned.

However, schools officials say they will use the money to improve their buildings, and have given there thanks to the generous grocery store owner.