Auxiliary plans unity chain in Sikeston

SIKESTON -- Time is winding down to register for the first Hands Across Sikeston event to honor veterans.

The unity chain and walk Sept. 18 will go from the American flag at the Sikeston Sports Complex to the Veteran's Memorial Park. Line-up will begin at 2:30 p.m., and there will be a picnic for all of the participants at 4 p.m.

"So far, we've had a lot of interest," said Tammy Barborek, a member of the VFW Post 3174 Ladies Auxiliary. "At last count, we had about 85 signed up."

Auxiliary President Sue Rogers said she and other group members are "pleasantly surprised" with the response so far.

Registration is due today. Sign-ups will still be taken up to the day of the event, but the group cannot guarantee T-shirts to participants who sign up after this week.

Registration is $20 or $25, depending on the T-shirt size, and includes the hot dog meal in the park. All proceeds will be split among four charities: The VFW Military Assistance Program which helps families of service men and women stationed overseas; the Fischer House in St. Louis, which offers free lodging facilities near medical centers where military and veterans' families can stay while the individual receives care; the Missouri Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau for the purchase of personal care items and gifts; and local veteran affairs and emergency assistance in the Sikeston area.

"We know that veterans and their families have sacrificed a lot -- they took an oath to protect all of us and our freedom," Rogers said. "This is just a small tribute to them, but I think it's important to patients and families because it helps them heal."

For those who want to do more than walk, Barborek said volunteers are needed to help cook and serve food or work in the first aid tent.

Barborek said she's also heard from people who want to be involved but have conflicting plans.

"For instance, I had a man who won't be here but wanted a shirt so we sent it to him," she said. "There are a lot of other people who said they will donate or send a check."

Although she wants as big of a unity chain as possible, Barborek said she welcomes any sort of support.

"The more money we make, the more funds we'll have for the veterans," she said.

Some of the group members already have their event T-shirts and have been wearing them around town. That's also helping to raise awareness about the event, said Rogers.