GOLDEN RULE AWARDS HONOR VOLUNTEERS

Whether their efforts involve raising funds, time spent at board meetings or hands-on tasks, volunteers are an integral part of non-profit organizations. Beginning this year, those volunteers in this area will be honored in a new way, it was announced Wednesday.

The Area Wide United Way and JCPenney on Wednesday announced their collaboration on the Golden Rule Awards program, which not only will recognize volunteers for their efforts, but also will provide cash awards to the organizations where the winners volunteer.

"This program will honor outstanding volunteers and provide support to non-profits worthy of recognition," said Don Fisher, Cape Girardeau JCPenney store manager.

Award winners in the adult, group and education categories will receive a Crystal Flame award, and $1,000 grants will be made to nonprofit organizations where they volunteer. Youth winners, 18 or younger, will be awarded $500 contributions to their nonprofit organizations and $500 scholarships toward their post-secondary education. In addition, five finalists will be named and a $250 donation will be made to the volunteers' organizations.

The four top winners locally will then be considered for the National JCPenney Golden Rule Award. The national winner in the adult, group and education categories will receive $10,000 contributions to their organizations. The youth award winner will receive a $5,000 contribution and a $5,000 scholarship.

Kathy Denton, assistant director at the Area Wide United Way, said the United Way has had a volunteer recognition program for the past 12 years, and last year there were 40 nominations. But the monetary incentive JCPenney is providing this year should increase that number and increase the recognition the volunteers and organizations receive.

The Golden Rule Award was established by JCPenney in 1982 in six markets, Fisher said. It has been adding markets since then, with Cape Girardeau being the 201st community joining the program.

Harry Rediger, the retired manager of JCPenney and chairman of the judging panel for the awards, said people or groups active in volunteer efforts that benefit the community-at-large are eligible for the Golden Rule Award. The education category includes volunteers in public or private schools or in school-related educational programs. Volunteers 18 and younger are eligible for the youth award.

Past winners of the Area Wide United Way volunteer awards are eligible for the Golden Rule Awards.

To qualify for one of the monetary grants connected with the award, organizations must be nonprofit, tax exempt and a 501 (C)(3).

Nominations should be received by Feb. 29 at the United Way office. Judges will review the nominations.

Winners will be announced at a luncheon April 20.

GOLDEN RULE AWARDS

Nominations for the award are available at community agencies, schools, the Area Wide United Way at 1858 Broadway and at the JCPenney office at West Park Mall. Deadline is Feb. 29.