AREA VOLUNTEERS GET STATE RECOGNITION

Far too often the good deeds people perform for others go unnoticed except for those who are on the receiving end of the kindnesses. That is why it was so heartening to see three area people being recognized by a state council for the work they have done for the disabled -- work that otherwise few people probably would have known about.

Tommy and Sonya Miller of Scott City and Don E. Osborne of Cape Girardeau were the three honored by the Missouri Governor's Council on Disability. The council named the Millers parents of the year for their work with disabled children and Osborne a good neighbor for his work with a disabled employee and with VIP Industries.

The Millers' son Ryan, 8, has cerebral palsy. As part of their efforts not to let that stand in the way of Ryan's having a normal childhood, the Millers organized a weekend recreational program for children with disabilities, and it has become really popular. The children play soccer, kickball and T-ball with their parents' help.

Sonya Miller's reasoning was simple: The league was organized because many children with disabilities don't have an opportunity to participate in organized sports.

Because they have taken such an active role in helping disabled children, parents of other disabled children frequently call upon them for help. The Millers gladly give of their time to offer answers on such questions as how and where parents can get services for their children. Parents of other disabled youngsters meet often at the Millers' home to discuss issues that affect them.

Osborne is a board member of VIP Industries and has given years of support to the disabled through the operation. He helps the disabled people who work at VIP Industries manage their finances and has helped secure funding for a number of apartment complexes built for the handicapped.

The father of a disabled son who died six years ago, Osborne wants others to be able to benefit from what he has learned. "I'm always thankful," he said. "I try to make good use of my abilities and help others where they have shortcomings."

The sincere desire to help others who are less fortunate, without compensation or notoriety, earned these three people the recognition they so appropriately deserve. We join in congratulating them.