KINDNESS HOTLINE

Procter and Gamble Paper Products in Cape Girardeau donated 320 cases of diapers to the Oklahoma tornado victims. Relief supplies are being collected at the Cape Girardeau Wal-Mart store through the week.

Iris Zelle called to thank the person who purchased her groceries at Schnucks Tuesday. "I am 87 years old and I have to use a walker and shopping can be a chore," she said.

Zelle also received a second act of kindness on her way home: As she was exiting the store, a woman offered to drive her home to prevent her from having to ride home in a cab.

"It was two separate acts of kindness at the same time," she said. "It was fantastic. It really made my day."

A number of children from Friends Forever Preschool, 1749 Independence, have provided some supplies for tornado victims in Oklahoma as a Random Act of Kindness

Students from Mary Hook's class placed their items in the trailer at Wal-Mart's parking lot, where area residents are helping fill the semi-trailer with disaster relief items.

The trailer is parked near the store off Route K until Friday, and is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Tornadoes ripped through Oklahoma City recently, leaving many homeless.

The folks at SEMO Alliance for Disability Independence would like to thank Linda Royce of Cape Girardeau for her kindness. Royce donated to SADI's annual fund-raising auction. She gave five handmade baskets, a gift certificate for Dessert of the Month for six months, and made cookies for auction night. She also donates her talents to the Salvation Army and the American Red Cross.

Debra Rau called to say thank you to Kevin, a Star Wars movie fan who agreed to purchase tickets for Rau's nephew. Rau was on her way to work and unable to stand in line for tickets Wednesday. She offered to pay double for tickets, but Kevin wouldn't accept the extra money. He also offered to deliver the tickets after they were purchased. In return, Rau brought doughnuts and sodas to the people waiting in line at West Park Cine.

Employees of Rhodes 101 in Sikeston pumped gas for customers and washed windshields Wednesday morning.

Employees of Southwestern Bell Wireless sent flowers to patients at both area hospitals. They also sent cookies to the fire and police departments.

The Caring Communities program and four Cape Girardeau Elementary Schools have been participating in kindness week.

Franklin Elementary students made placemats in art classes to be used at mealtime at Southeast Missouri Hospital. Some of the placemats were used as tray liners for the hospital's Meals on Wheels program.

Students at Washington and Jefferson put together care packages with an assortment of treats and gifts for cooks, janitors, secretaries and others working in the buildings.

The girls group at Jefferson potted flowers in old milk cartons and gave the flowers to residents of Ratliff nursing home.

At May Greene, the art teacher and students made centerpieces for the Lutheran Home. The boys club planted flowers at the school, and May Greene teachers are giving cookies to the staff at all other schools in Cape. The Caring Community central office staff will recognize the school staff with breakfast Thursday.