Youngster a Red Cross Hero

0 Comments | Oakland Tribune, Apr 17, 2008 | by Jennifer Gokhman

TRACY -- At age 5, Rachel Fuller gave away a bicycle she had just won in a drawing at an Easter egg hunt last April. She wanted to give it to someone who needed it more than she did, even though she didn't have a bike of her own.

She gave it away "to be kind," she said.

For her sacrifice, Rachel, now 6, was recognized by the San Joaquin chapter of the American Red Cross as a youth Samaritan Hero.

The Heroes program honors people in 10 categories, including good neighbor, educator hero, firefighter and workplace safety. The heroes receive their awards at a breakfast.

Rachel was the only Tracy resident to receive recognition.

"I felt happy," she said of the award, adding that she likes helping people and giving things to people.

The San Joaquin chapter has held the event for five years as a way to honor people who have shown courage, selflessness and compassion, and to thank those who have helped, according to the Red Cross Web site. Rachel donated her bicycle to Brighter Christmas, an organization that gives food and gifts to families in need at Christmastime, said her mother Anne Marie Fuller.

"It's been very positive," Fuller said, adding that Rachel has wanted to continue helping charities. "It's so refreshing to see in a 6-year-old."

Fuller nominated her daughter for the award with the hope that another child could be inspired to help others.

"It's had a ripple effect in my family," Fuller said. Now her older daughter wants to help other people too.

Rachel knew about Brighter Christmas through church. Since then, she has participated in her school's charity drive for McHenry House, a homeless shelter in Tracy, donating an armful of stuffed animals.

Contact Jennifer Gokhman at 925-847-2148 or jgokhman@bayareanewsgroup.com.