VOLUNTEERS: 1991 BELL VOLUNTEER AWARD WINNERS HONORED FOR HELPING OTHERS; ZONTA CLUB MEETS COMMUNITY NEEDS THROUGH SERVICE

Cape Girardeau's Zonta Club supports a singular purpose service.

Dale Ann Humphries, service committee chairman, said, "Service is the whole reason for our club. We try to give back to the community."

Zonta sponsors two major fund-raising activities each year. Members of the club then meet with as many as 15 community organizations to determine how to distribute thousands of dollars they raise each year.

The money is used for numerous activities, Humphries said. But Zontians do much more than redistribute funds.

"Volunteerism is a real important part of our club," Humphries said. Each member is required to put in at least 10 service hours each year.

The club includes 70 professional women who all make this commitment to service.

She said: "We have people who put in a lot more than 10 hours. For me personally, it's the thing that I do that gives me the most satisfaction."

"It's amazing how many have full-time jobs and families and still find time to help others," Humphries said. "Anybody can be a consumer in the community, but I really get a feeling of satisfaction to know I helped someone."

Zonta members are undertaking a brand new project in conjunction with Project Literacy at the Cape Girardeau Area Vocational-Technical School. Several members have been trained to tutor people who want to learn to read.

The club also has been active in fire-prevention efforts. Specifically, Zonta with the Cape Girardeau Fire Department, received a federal grant that included money for smoke detectors. Fire department personnel installed the detectors; Zontians helped explain the maintenance of them.

Zontians offer two scholarships each year for women who want to continue their education. Members serve as greeters at the Cape Girardeau riverfront when needed.

Among area organizations that have benefited from both Zonta money and concern are the Easter Seal Society, American Red Cross, Cape Girardeau Civic Center, AIDS Research Consortium, Habitat for Humanity, Glenn House, Rape Crisis Center, Cape Girardeau Airport, East Missouri Action Agency, Vision 2000, Family Learning Center, Girl Scouts, Teen Pregnancy Task Force, Cape Girardeau Police Department and Juvenile Detention Home.