UNION VOLUNTEERS LIGHT UP NORTH ELEMENTARY

Care had to be taken to get fixtures exactly the right distance apart. Jackson USA Signal/Mark Evans

IBEW workers made North Elementary halls much brighter after installing additional lights. Jackson USA Signal/Mark Evans

FRUITLAND -- Sometimes students need to lighten up.

Thanks to members of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) # 1 and United Electric Supply, North Elementary students will have that chance this year.

IBEW members volunteered their time Aug. 19, installing some dozen new light fixtures in the dimly-lit grade school. The material had been donated by United Electric Supply. The work was done just in time for the opening of the 2000-2001 school year.

"We thought it would be a good thing for the school," said Terry Shackles of IBEW # 1. "We try to do a lot for kids."

IBEW and United Electric Supply have also volunteered similar help at the Cape Girardeau Safe House and the Cape Civic Center. The request to help with North Elementary came from School Board Member Mark Baker, a member of IBEW # 72.

"We enjoy doing it," Shackles said. "It's a sacrifice everyone's happy to make. It's one they like to do."

Shackles also commended United Electric for their donation of light fixtures and bulbs.

"United Electric works with us, donating material to the Safe House. We like to help the community every chance we get."