VOLUNTEERS RECOGNIZED FOR JOBS WELL DONE

Volunteers don't perform good deeds for recognition. But it's always nice to get a pat on the back for a job well done.

This week the Area Wide United Way and Ameritech honored people who had been nominated for their kind acts day in and day out.

The 1998 recipients are Dusty McDowell, Annette Trout, Melvin Gateley and RSVP of Scott City.

-- McDowell is a student at the junior high school who is a dedicated volunteer for the Red Cross.

-- Trout is a volunteer with Southeast Hospice, which provides steady assurance to families who must prepare for death.

-- Gateley, a tireless volunteer for the city, was honored for his many contributions. He is certainly one of Cape Girardeau's most fervent boosters.

-- The Retired Senior Volunteer Program of Scott City was cited for its admirable efforts to match senior volunteers with not-for-profit agencies that need help.

All the winners and all the other nominees were richly deserving of the recognition. Because of volunteers such as these, Southeast Missouri is a better place to live and work.