NOMINATIONS TRICKLE IN TO AREA WIDE UNITED WAY

The Area Wide United Way has received only a handful of nominations for its 14th annual Volunteer Recognition Awards.

Kathy Denton, assistant director of the Area Wide United Way in Cape Girardeau, expects to receive more nominations before Monday's deadline.

Cash awards for the winners may have sparked some of last year's nominations, she said.

"Last year, we were able to give cash awards for the winners in each category, Denton said. JCPenney provided $1,000 to the charities of the winning volunteers last year.

Penney's isn't funding the awards this year. "This year we're not able to do the cash awards again and we really see a decline in the number of nominations," Denton said.

Nominations may be submitted in four categories: Youth/young adult, 25 years of age and younger; adult, 26 through 59 years of age; senior adult, 60 years and older; and group/organizations, two more individuals.

Volunteers from throughout the area will be considered for the awards, Denton said. Past winners have received medallions. Similar awards will be given to this year's winners, she said.

A panel of judges will select an outstanding volunteer from each category. Nominees and the award winners will be recognized at a luncheon on April 12 at the Drury Lodge.

"Volunteers are so vital to our community and it is important that they are recognized for the work they do," Denton said. "They are every day people, from all walks of life, who seek to help others and expect nothing in return."