For some students, volunteering means extra credit. For others, it's a matter of the heart.

Amanda Sheboth of Gibsonia and her siblings are one example of how families choose to volunteer as part of their lifestyle.

"We had been talking as a family about ways we could help and serve others. We called a few places that said they didn't need volunteers or said that we were too young," said Amanda, 11, who was undeterred.

"We bred our goats in November and the babies had to be bottle fed - and they were so cute, we wanted to share them," she said.

The Sheboths share their time and their animals with the residents of Sunnyview Nursing Home in Butler Township. Michelle Skal, the recreation director and director of volunteer services, said the Sheboths' weekly visits are anticipated.

"The residents look forward to the children coming on Saturdays. They truly have created relationships with our residents and are here because they want to be, which is what makes it so special," said Skal.

"Amanda made all the calls, she had the plan and the vision for taking the animals into nursing homes and letting the residents pet them," explained Dawn Sheboth, mother of the seven Sheboth children. The Sheboths are active in 4-H and had been at a function at Sunnyview when the idea took hold.

"When Amanda called here, the message was so sweet, I even saved it on my machine. I knew from the call that there was something special about these kids," said Skal about Amanda's offer to volunteer at Sunnyview.

"Whether they are helping with bingo or showing off their animals, when they are here, it is all about the residents. They are so selfless and willing to serve," she added.

The Sheboth children go weekly to help with bingo and to play games with residents at Sunnyview. The children even purchase the bingo prizes.

"I feel so happy and wonderful when we make someone smile or we know we made someone happier," said Bethany, 10.

The children also visit St. Barnabas Nursing Home in Gibsonia once a week.

Currently the children are preparing a musical presentation to take into the nursing home

s

at Christmas. "They wrote this drama on their own and they sing and act out the parts. We made the costumes. It is quite cute," said their mother.

Donating so much time could be a burden for the average 8-year-old, but Curtis thinks about it differently.

"Some of those people are my friends, and it is good to make people happy. They seem to like us and the goats," he said.

Daniel, age 7 has a special friend at the nursing home

one of the nursing homes

. "My friend Don doesn't have arms. We went in for a party and had popcorn and he wanted some, so I got to feed it to him," he explained.

Little sisters Elissa, 5, and Faith, 3, also get into the act - even baby Isabelle garnishes her share of smiles from residents. "Everyone seems to love the little ones, they love to hold the baby," said Dawn Sheboth.

Skal said even the youngest children have the desire to serve and seem disappointed when they don't get to help or sit near a resident. "It is really amazing to have children that are so well-mannered and so willing to serve," she said. "Everyone here just loves them."

"I am really proud of

(Amanda).

She made all the calls and took the initiative to get our family involved," said Dawn Sheboth.

In addition to volunteering at the nursing home, Amanda and her sister volunteered to do a craft for the Brownie troop at Pine-Richland. They have crocheted countless Kleenex cases, hoping to raise some money to donate to a local charity.

Amanda takes the time commitment in stride and seems able to juggle schooling, music lessons, raising her goats and reaching out to others without missing a beat. "It just feels right to be doing for others. It is comfortable," she said.