WE CAN ALL HELP TO FIGHT ILLITERACY THROUGH YELL

It's hard to imagine going through life without the ability to read a road sign or a good book, or the ability to sign a birthday card or endorse a check. But that's just the daily heartache of millions of Americans. These people aren't just limited to metropolitan areas. They live among us. About 365,000 Missourians are considered "functionally illiterate," including an estimated 3,400 in Cape Girardeau alone, according to U.S. census data.

Just acknowledging their plight isn't enough. We can tackle this problem and what's more each and every one of us can make a difference through YELL.

Youth, Education, Literacy and Learning (YELL) tackles illiteracy in our community. On Tuesday morning, more than 250 volunteers will be hawking special editions of the Southeast Missourian filled with coupons and a comic book. Proceeds will go to special United Way literacy programs and the local Newspapers in Education (NIE).

The most gratifying part of this second year of YELL has been the community outpouring. More than 60 organizations including 11 fraternities and sororities will stand at street corners Tuesday morning selling these special editions. A $2 donation is asked, although buyers can certainly give more. Procter & Gamble, Tri-Con, Thorngate, Southeast Missouri State University and other businesses have opened their doors to YELL sales.

Patrons of NIE have nearly doubled through YELL. All advertisements which appear in the special YELL section represent a direct donation to NIE. That section has grown from 24 pages last year, to 32 this year. Beginning Sept. 21, the Southeast Missourian will deliver an average of 2,900 free newspapers to 60 schools. Think of it: Each day students receive a brand new textbook chocked full of information from around the world and down the street.

Last year, nearly $13,000 was given to local organizations through YELL. The single largest recipient was the NIE program, which costs about $120,000 a year. The newspaper bears 67 percent of the cost, with the rest coming from YELL. In addition, the Community Counseling Center, Cape Girardeau Civic Center, Jackson public schools, Otahki Girl Scout Council, Lutheran Family and Children's Services, American Red Cross and Cape Girardeau County Association for Retarded Citizens all received YELL money for special literacy programs.

YELL experienced a unique problem last year: It was so successful that the 7,000 newspapers quickly sold out. This year, 10,000 Southeast Missourians will be printed for sale in Cape Girardeau and Scott City Tuesday, starting at 6:30 a.m. About 1,200 special editions of the Jackson Cash-Book will be sold Wednesday after 7 a.m.

It seems every time we turn around, someone is there with an extended hand. We realize the financial pressures today. But consider this: Money raised through YELL stays home. It helps our kids and local citizens combat illiteracy. Through YELL, we all can make a difference.