Jana Mallis makes sure kindnesses -- big and little -- are rewarded. Teachers, police officers, even a grocery clerk have won Golden Hearts.

It started simply enough seven years ago. Members of a Friday night prayer and meditation group wanted to throw a birthday party for their group leader, Jana Mallis, a psychologist.

Mallis was pleased but used the party to do something she always wanted to do: Honor people who do good works.

“I’ve run into so many people who give when they don’t have to give, who take their own money and time and do for others,” said Mallis, 48. “I wanted to honor people who rarely receive recognition.”

At her party she handed out what she called Golden Heart certificates. The birthday party has morphed into an annual banquet with dozens of people receiving not only Golden Heart awards but awards from politicians and community groups.

“No one even mentions my birthday anymore,” said Mallis. “I like it better this way.”

The Golden Heart group started out 10 years ago when Mallis said some of her clients were coming to her with life and death issues: dealing with terminal illnesses and things far beyond the realm of psychology.

“I have a background in meditation,” said Mallis, who formed a prayer and meditation group that started meeting in her home on Friday nights. It continues to meet at All Saints’ Episcopal Church, Crescentville. Members meditate and pray not only for themselves but for the well-being of others.

“We’d talk about people we knew who really were kind and did lovely things,” said Mallis. Sometimes very small things. Like a grocery store clerk who was particularly kind to the elderly. They would queue up in her line, waiting as long as necessary for her kind and gentle words. Mallis gave the clerk a certificate.

Like Blanche DuBois - who counted on the kindness of strangers - Mallis depends on others to let her know of good works of others. Over the years teachers, crossing guards, nurses, police officers, firemen have received awards.

And why the name Golden Heart? Mallis’ late father often told her she had a big heart. “And I like heart-shaped things,” she said. “So I decided to call the group and the award Golden Heart in honor of my father.”

Guests at the annual banquet pay for dinner, but the rest of the evening - entertainment, including her beloved bagpipes, and Golden Heart certificates - are paid for by Mallis.

“My husband, I think, has given up on the idea that I’m going to stop this,” she laughed. “I can’t tell you how wonderful it is.”