RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS: WOMAN FINDS VOLUNTEER WORK A SIMPLE WAY TO GIVE THANKS

One day last week, Rebecca Mattes of Cape Girardeau was stocking the shelves at Catherine's Cupboard, a free food distribution program at St. Vincent de Paul Parish that assists area food banks and individuals.

She was wearing a sticker: "Be Nice to Me, I Gave Blood Today."

For Rebecca, Christian service is a way of life. "I've learned the more I give, the more I receive. There's no question," she says.

This 19-year-old has volunteered countless hours with other Christian Service projects at the church, including Vincent's Vittles, a free meal served once a month to community people in need, and Merrilac's Moveables, a free furniture distribution for the needy.

She has also volunteered at Birthright and has worked with the youth ministry of the parish, taking summer mission trips to help the needy in Tuba City, Ariz., Chicago, Ill., and Denver, Colo.

Rebecca is finishing up her freshman year at Southeast Missouri State University. She plans to major in criminal justice or psychology.

During her high school years at Notre Dame High School, she accumulated 522 hours of service and lettered in Christian Service. Her service set a record as the most hours accumulated during a high school career since the inception of the program five years ago.

"In whatever Rebecca does, she sets a good example for her peers, younger children, and even adults who sometimes find it difficult to reach others," said Connie Eichhorn, when she nominated Rebecca for the JCPenney Golden Rule Award.

Eichhorn said Rebecca has given not only the basic necessities of life like food and shelter, but she has also given hope and encouragement.

Rebecca sees helping others as a chain. Hopefully someone who is helped will lend someone else a hand, she said.

Her memories of mission trips remain strong, such as the time she worked with children on an Indian reservation. In Chicago, the youths worked with inner city youth, providing free babysitting for moms working on their G.E.D. She also worked at a soup kitchen.

"On those mission trips, you really appreciate what you have," says Rebecca. "There's so many simple things we take for granted."

Charitable work is a family affair for the Mattes. She often accompanies her mother, Kathy, at Birthright or other projects. Her dad, Wayne, accompanied Rebecca on a mission trip.

She would recommend charitable work to other young people.

"It really helps you grow as an individual," she says. "It's so important to give back for everything we have. It's a simple way to show we're thankful."