CAPE GIRARDEAU RECOGNIZES VOLUNTEERS FOR THEIR SERVICE

Four of Cape Girardeau's top volunteers contributed more than 3,600 hours of service to the community last year.

They were honored Tuesday during a volunteer recognition luncheon, sponsored by Ameritech and the Cape Girardeau Area Wide United Way and attended by more than 90 at the Drury Lodge.

The American Red Cross Blood Services Committee was recognized as the top volunteer organization for the year. The award was accepted by Meta Siemers, who manages the canteen at area blood drives.

Receiving individual honors were Jeff Crader, a sophomore at Notre Dame High School in the age 25 and under category; Jeffrey Krantz, an administrator at Southeast Missouri Hospital in the 26 to 59 age group; and in the age 60 plus category, a tie between John "Doc" Yallaly and Opal Perkins.

Crader, the son of Robert Crader and Debbie Crader, both of Cape Girardeau, volunteered 180 hours last year at St. Francis Medical Center, helping in admitting and discharge, X-ray, pharmacy and the intensive care waiting room.

Crader also donated additional time to Future Business Leaders of America, Students Against Drunk Driving, Boy Scouts and Order of the Arrow. He recently represented Notre Dame at the Hugh O'Brien Youth Foundation Leadership Seminar in St. Louis.

Crader said he has fun volunteering and helping other people. He wants to work in the medical field so volunteering at St. Francis has given him the opportunity to try different jobs at the hospital.

Krantz accumulated more than 420 hours last year as a volunteer, working on United Way, Downtown Rotary, Vision 2000, chamber of commerce, Caring Community Council and St. Mary's School.

Krantz was commended for his one-on-one contact with those in the Division of Youth Services' custody and his help with the Eagle's Nest, a project to find "home living" for young people who are unable to return home and too old for foster care.

Krantz said he sees a need in the community to reach out and help those who are less fortunate and tries to make the community a better place to live. He sees things that need to be done and is willing to help.

Yallaly, 63, was recognized for his 1,428 volunteer hours in 1994. He's active in the American Legion and has been the manager of its local baseball team for 39 years. His other activities include the Cape Girardeau County Association for Retarded Citizens, the Missouri Veterans Home, Regency Management and VIP Industries.

Yallaly said it must be in his nature to volunteer, which helps him to stay young and active. He's glad he is still able to help out and finds it hard to say "no" when asked to volunteer.

Perkins contributed 1,578 volunteer hours last year, about 95 percent of those at St. Francis Medical Center. She has contributed 9,992 hours since 1982 to Red Cross, United Way, American Cancer Society, AARP, Rodney Vista Homemakers Club and the Mended Hearts of Cape Girardeau and other groups. She was recognized for recruiting new volunteers and her tireless energies for St. Francis.

Perkins volunteers because she loves working with people, meeting them and helping. She said St. Francis is a great place to volunteer with a wonderful staff. She usually works at the front desk, providing information to visitors about three to four days a week.

The 15-member Red Cross Blood Services Committee was recognized for coordinating the local blood drives, organizing canteen refreshments, recruiting workers and donors and obtaining sponsorships. Over the last 12 years, blood drives have increased from 25 to 88 annually with 5,354 units of blood collected.

David G. Palmer, donor services consultant for American Red Cross, said Cape Girardeau County is fortunate to have these volunteers, who are vital to area hospitals. He said the blood drives rely on 75 to 100 volunteers each year to recruit donors and run the canteens.

Donna Hanschen, area manager for Ameritech, recognized 14 individuals and eight organizations nominated for the awards.

Richard Gross, United Way president, said recognition of volunteers started in 1988 as the Southwestern Bell Volunteer Awards. Cybertel took over as the corporate sponsor last year and since then the company has changed its name to Ameritech.

William Gibson of St. Louis, vice president and manager of the Missouri market for Ameritech, said it was right to recognize local volunteers during National Volunteer Week. He said the good things in a community often come from the sweat equity of volunteers.

He said the real story on the Oklahoma City bombing is the country rallying behind those who need help by having blood drives, passing the hat and donating canned goods.

Gibson said the talk in Washington indicates Uncle Sam can't do it anymore and local communities will have to provide more for themselves. He said the volunteers are prime examples of those who want to help their communities.