KINDNESS IS A FAMILY AFFAIR: KIBLINGERS PERFORM KIIND ACTS YEAR AROUND

You can't have a conversation about Debbie Kiblinger without mentioning her family. That's because she and her husband, Mark, have five children and do as many activities together as they can.

The Kiblinger family has a penchant for good acts and a strong dedication to community service. Friends say many of their "family" activities involve helping others. This help often goes above and beyond the call of duty, whether that means pinch-hitting as a babysitter for a friend or delivering meals to the elderly.

Debbie and Mark have their hands full with David, 11, John, 9, Matthew, 7, Theresa, 5, and Elizabeth, 2, but there always seems to be an extra seat in their van or at the dinner table, whether they're going to preschool, or Mass, or just spending a quiet evening at home.

"I think my mom's special because she'll take care of us," said David. "My friends always compliment about how she'll help their parents and work real hard at the school."

David said his mom is always "really busy" but she always does things for him, including baking and decorating cakes or taking him and his siblings to one of the many sports events in which they participate.

"I think we've counted up over 150 (sporting events) so far this year," he said.

Cindy Heischmidt, a family friend for nine years, said Debbie has to be an excellent time manager because she and her family are extremely active in the community. She is active in church and school activities, Heischmidt said, as well as working as a volunteer for Birthright and Meals on Wheels. In addition, she often realizes a person needs help before they even ask, Heischmidt said, and is always helping her friends, neighbors, and even strangers.

"They just make a wonderful example all year long of what Christian giving is all about," Heischmidt said. "Debbie doesn't do random acts of kindness: It's a way of life for her. She truly lives the Golden Rule."

Susan Means, another family friend, said Debbie came to her aid while she was in the midst of a difficult pregnancy last year. "Debbie was always going out of her way to make dinner for my family and do other things for us," Means said. "One night out of the blue, she and her husband Mark kept our two kids because they thought my husband and I needed a night by ourselves before the baby arrived. And they got up the next morning and got all seven kids ready for Mass.

"There's no way I could ever repay her for everything she's done for me."

The Kiblingers are quick to downplay their kindness. Debbie credits her ability to help others to her husband, who does the same for her. Both said the children were a big part of their ability to help others because they are so enthusiastic.

"I have a very loving husband who is always there to help when we are overcommitted," Debbie said. "The children are a big part of it, too. But we're not doing anything anyone else wouldn't do for us."

Debbie wants her children to be involved in community service projects while they are young so they understand the need for volunteers. She takes her children along when she delivers meals to the elderly, and often they do yardwork for elderly neighbors.

"I think it's good for them to be involved," she said. "We're definitely big believers in sharing our time and talents. The talents and gifts we have were given to us, and it's up to us to share them with others."