Volunteer honored by national group

As a lighthouse guides navigators, so do volunteers show society an example of how life really could be, and maybe even, really should be if we would all demonstrate a little more compassion for others.

So it is fitting that volunteer Marje Engleman of Cape Girardeau is being recognized today as a Daily Point of Light by the Points of Light Foundation, an organization that supports and mobilizes volunteers in communities across the country.

"The thing I am most proud of now is that my daughters and their families are involved in volunteering," Engleman said. "We talked about this after I won the award, and they said, 'Mom, we really never thought about it. You were involved in the church and the Scouts, and we just thought that was the thing to do.'"

Engleman was honored locally for her volunteer efforts by the Area Wide United Way during the agency's Annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon in April. The United Way then submitted the four names of their 2002 volunteer award winners to the Points of Light Foundation. The United Way just found out recently that Engleman was to be acknowledged on a national level today.

"We receive a publication that describes the Daily Point of Light honorees and realized our volunteers were equally as deserving as those being recognized nationally," said Nancy Jernigan, executive director of the Area Wide United Way.

Nominated by local chapter

Engleman was nominated to receive her United Way award by the local American Red Cross chapter, an organization she has provided with countless volunteer hours over the past 10 years.

On numerous occasions, Engleman has even placed her personal life on hold so she could assist others during a disaster, said Mary Burton, executive director with the Southeast Missouri Chapter of the American Red Cross. One example of this was during the 1999 flooding of Madison County when Engleman allowed herself to be pulled away from making Easter dinner for her family to begin relief efforts.

After the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, Engleman aided in the fund-raising distribution of T-shirts and magnets sold through the Red Cross for more than 30 hours.

"Marje is without a doubt one of the most genuine people I have ever met," Burton said. "She is always there to help. She is there to help children. She is there to help a neighbor, or even an acquaintance, when they need a meal or some assistance. And she does it in the spirit that volunteerism should be done -- quietly just going about business, not wanting recognition."

In addition to her Red Cross activities, Engleman volunteers with the Missouri Veterans Home, Cape County Health Department, Meals on Wheels and Area Wide United Way. Engleman also works at the polls during election time and is a guide for the Cape Girardeau Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Engleman taught in the Cape Girardeau public school system for 24 years. During this career, she helped coordinate and implement new student programs including one that introduced students to live productions at Southeast Missouri State University's Rose Theatre. She also volunteered in several capacities, such as serving on two bond issue committees and the Community Relations Committee, as well as delivering school papers.

"When I was with the children, I saw a need to do things for and with them," Engleman said. "When I was with some of my teacher friends the other day, they said whenever I wanted to do something, I would say, 'Come on everybody, we're going to help!'"

Family tradition

Engleman says she is just passing on a tradition. Her mother, who lives in Chesapeake, Va., always did a lot of volunteering.

"My mother is 89, and she still reads to children two days a week," Engleman said.

According to the Points of Light Foundation, Engleman depicts the true spirit of volunteerism.

"Receiving this award is actually a very humbling experience because you think of all the people that have helped and are doing so much more," Engleman said. "I think I really don't deserve this, but it is an honor to have this happen to me, my family and Cape Girardeau."

President George W. Bush and former President George Bush have endorsed the revived Daily Points of Light Award, and each will send a congratulatory letter to Engleman.

For those interested in volunteer opportunities, call 1 (800) VOLUNTEER, a phone line provided by the Points of Light Foundation and Volunteer Center National Network. Locally, call 335-7555.

Daily Points of Light Award nomination forms are available by calling (202) 729-8184 or e-mailing awards@pointsof light.org.

jgosche@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 133