Optimist International forms new south Cape chapter

Optimist International, the world's fourth-largest civic service organization, is working to add another Optimist Club to the Cape Girardeau area to better serve youths in the community. Volunteer members of Optimist International have been working to get the club started in south Cape Girardeau. Their efforts will culminate with an informational meeting from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Salvation Army, 701 Good Hope St.

"We are excited about helping the children of the south Cape Girardeau community," said J.J. Williamson, Cape Girardeau Evening Optimist member and president of the south Cape Girardeau club. "We are looking for other like-minded individuals who would like to help us improve the lives of children in our community."

Optimist Clubs are known throughout the world for their slogan "Bringing Out the Best in Kids." Since each club is autonomous, Optimist volunteers decide how to serve the needs of the children in their community. In some areas, clubs conduct scholarship programs, sports activities, mentoring programs, after-school programs and childhood cancer initiatives.

The new club will focus on the community's youngest members and is seeking input from local residents to identify a specific need and purpose.

"Those who best know what this community needs are those who live here," Williamson said. "If you have an opinion about how we can best serve the community's youth, please let us know."

For information, call 335-7000.

ON THE NET:

Optimist International: www.optimist.org.