Local United Way volunteers receive national recognition by Points of Light Foundation

The United Way of Southeast Missouri was recently notified that two winners of their annual Volunteer Recognition Awards, held this April, were also recognized nationally by the Points of Light Foundation as outstanding volunteers.

Sarah Goeke, awarded the United Way's Youth Volunteer of the Year was identified as the National Volunteer of the Day for Sept. 1 by the Points of Light Foundation. The SEMO Chapter American Red Cross Disaster Action Volunteer Team was awarded the United Way's Group/Organization Volunteer of the Year Award and as National Volunteer of the Day for Sept. 7 by the Points of Light Foundation.

Goeke is a graduate of Central High School. Her efforts include volunteering with Old Town Cape's Downtown Kids Association, the development and implementation of Youth Movie Night and Trivia Night and recruiting volunteers for Cleanup Day.

The Red Cross Disaster Action Volunteer Team responded to a record number of single-family fires providing disaster relief and catering to a group home fire and business fire. Following Hurricane Katrina, they were deployed on national disaster assignment for three weeks in Louisiana, Florida, Mississippi and Texas. Locally, they helped at two shelters providing meals and emotional support and helping search for loved ones. They were on the scene an hour after Perry County's deadly tornado in March.

The United Way of Southeast Missouri nominated the winners of their awards for the Daily Points of Light Award, which honors individuals and volunteer groups helping meet critical needs in their communities. Every weekday, a volunteer or volunteer effort in the country receives a Daily Point of Light Award.

These stories were featured on the Points of Light Web site that day and can be found at www.pointsoflight. org under Awards.

The United Way of Southeast Missouri serves as the leader in uniting people and resources around health and human service issues to build a stronger and healthier community. For more information, contact the United Way of Southeast Missouri by phone at 334-9634 or visit their Web site at www.unitedwayofsemo. org.