LOCAL VOLUNTEER GROUPS `MAKE A DIFFERENCE'

Eight plumbers, four electricians and 250 bank employees recently received national recognition for their efforts during Make a Difference Day.

The Pipefitters Local #562, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (I.B.E.W.) Local #1, and Boatmens Employees Serving Together for Charity (B.E.S.T. for Charity) were honored by USA Weekend magazine for their volunteerism on Oct. 26, 1996, the magazine's annual day of doing good. The story appears in today's edition of the magazine, included in today's Southeast Missourian.

Representatives from the pipefitters and electrical workers' unions joined forces to provide all of the materials and labor needed to restore hot water and heat to the Southeast Missouri Humane Society. B.E.S.T. for Charity sponsored a supply drive to collect the largest single contribution of baby food, formula, diapers, clothes and other items Birthright has ever received.

"Birthright has been operating in Cape for over 23 years and it is not unusual to receive baby items from businesses or the general public," wrote Dolores Mier, director of Birthright of Cape Girardeau, in her recommendation of the bank employees for a Make a Difference Day award. "However, we have never received this great a supply of baby items from one business. I ask that each employee give him or herself a big pat on the back -- because that is what each Birthright volunteer would like to do."

The two unions were listed among the outstanding projects in today's USA Weekend as the top honoree for this region. Their project was chosen by a field of judges that included actors Paul Newman and Richard Dreyfuss, singer Naomi Judd, talk show host Cristina Saralegui, and Air Force pilot Capt. Scott O'Grady.

"It was the first time the animals and staff had warm and hot water for many months, as well as heat in the back of the building where we were forced to use heaters," wrote Humane Society board of directors member Melinda McCulley in her letter of recommendation. "We will see over 5,000 animals come through our shelter in a year, and these "angels" really `Made a Difference!'"

Jim Lane, a member of the pipefitters union, said the project was successful because two contractors in the region, BW Birk & Associates and Aschinger Electric, furnished the volunteers the use of their trucks and tools. He said the unions have adopted the Humane Society and continue to help with plumbing and electrical problems as needed.

"Our contractors were a big part of our effort," Lane said. "They have always helped us with these types of projects. And the guys that gave up their time and volunteered showed some real charity."

The Southeast Missourian presented the Pipefitters and the I.B.E.W. unions with a $50 check each, made payable to the Humane Society on their behalf. B.E.S.T. for Charity received a $50 check made payable to Birthright on their behalf.

Nationally, 1,042,467 people registered their participation in the event.