July 11, 2017 ENDICOTT (WBNG) -- For 12-year-old Mattea Buchta, community service is second nature. In June the Endicott girl wrote a letter to Price Chopper asking for food and bag donations so she could provide breakfast for the Endicott Police Department. A few weeks later Price Chopper donated most of her request, and she put in about $10 of her own money. "I made breakfast bags for the police officers with muffins, apples, waters, and granola bars," said Mattea Buchta. "I decorated the bags to show them that they're appreciated no matter what's happening...I wrote a big thank you, stay safe and thank you for all that you do." Other messages made the brown bags pop with character and color. Words of encouragement surrounded a big orange and black tiger paw. Endicott Police Chief Patrick Garey said Mattea's actions are one of the reasons he enjoys policing, to interact within the community. "Mattea is the perfect example of being selfless," said Chief Garey. "This is a young girl in middle school, who you know she's not thinking about being on her phone or texting, or you know what's going on with her friends. She's thinking about putting together breakfast for police officers because she wants to say thanks, it's just fantastic." As officers received their breakfast bags before their morning shifts, many were pleased. "Feels great. I work in the schools in the school year and now that I know this young lady, I'm going to make an opportunity to keep an eye on her as she grows up and make sure that she's a good person throughout her school career in Endicott," said Officer Brandon Leonard. As a focused student going into seventh grade, athlete on the softball diamond and member of many clubs, Mattea says her schedule is busy, but she always makes time to help the community. "I don't have much time, but I always have time for this," said Mattea. For Mattea giving back is in the family, and has been a big part of her life. "I started volunteering when I was in Kindergarten at the soup kitchen because my grandma runs it," she said. Her mom Lindsay said, helping in the community every week is a part of who she is, and not an obligation. "When I noticed that she actually enjoyed doing the soup kitchen. We all made it a point to keep it going for her no matter how tired and long our days are," said Lindsay Buchta. "We keep going for her if she's enjoying it. We put ourselves in line. We can do the dishes at 9 rather than 8 o'clock if she wants to go out and doing something to help others." Each week Mattea looks to inspire her friends to help her perform community service projects from the soup kitchen, to charity walks/runs, or helping whoever is in need, always making sure no one is left out. Mattea even once had a birthday party, and through donations was able to not have any one of her classmates feel left out "It was a big dance party at a hotel and I invited everybody from my grade because we had the whole hall reserved so everyone could be included," said Mattea. "It's important to make sure nobody is left out so everybody knows they're important, because after being left out so many times, they may think 'oh no one wants me here.' It's a good thing to know they feel wanted and important." When her mom Lindsay asked why she does what she does, Mattea humbly answered, "Out of the kindness of my heart." Mattea added, "It's important to make a difference." Another positive impact by Mattea, marked at the Endicott Police Department that fueled our protectors. If you know anyone who has, or performs selfless acts, email MiSchwartz@WBNG.com to possibly be featured on the next Southern Tier Selflessness! "Like" Michael Schwartz on Face book and "Follow" him on Twitter.
