Generous gifts

The reach and effectiveness of organized giving to good causes has long been a hallmark of American society. Collectively, generous donors are able to have a much greater impact than they might if they tried to help others on their own.

Two sizable donations from Cape Girardeau donors last week will go a long way in helping impoverished communities in Nicaragua. Jim and Charlotte Drury and Robin Cole have given a combined total of $375,000 to the Rainbow Network, a nondenominational Christian organization based in Springfield, Mo., that helps the needy in Nicaragua. Mark Struckhoff, the U.S director for the organization, was in Cape Girardeau for a news conference to announce the donations.

Cape Girardeau has had a Rainbow Network connections with Nicaragua for several years. Groups organized by Centenary Methodist Church have made annual mission trips to the area to provide assistance in other ways. In addition, Stephen N. Limbaugh of Cape Girardeau, a Missouri Supreme Court judge, serves on the group's board. U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson of Cape Girardeau supports the network and has visited Nicaragua.

The donations from the Drurys and Cole will allow Rainbow Network to provide assistance to another 5,500 people. The organization already touches more than 40,000 needy individuals. For their generosity -- they also support many organizations close to home -- the Drurys and Cole deserve a special thank you. They certainly will get one from folks in Nicaragua.