Lend a hand: Time and service are always needed in Southeast Missouri

Volunteering can be a fulfilling way to utilize one's talents and time, but it's important to find a place that works for you.

Nancy Jernigan, executive director of the United Way of Southeast Missouri, says the key is to find what you love and get involved.

"Think about what you enjoy; if you enjoy kids or seniors or animals, [you] can make a call and get involved," she says. "You might have to try more than one thing to find the thing you can be passionate about, which is why we encourage people to try, try again."

There's always a need for time and service, Jernigan says. Luckily, there are always service organizations to be found in the community as well.

Michael Sanders serves on the board of directors for the Kiwanis Club of Cape Girardeau and says the club has locations around the country.

"We've got 10 locations in Southeast Missouri alone," he says, adding that the main focus of Kiwanis is to serve the children of Cape Girardeau County.

"That's not to say we won't do projects that benefit the elderly or the needy," he says. "But that's our primary objective, is to help the children."

To that end, he says the Kiwanis Club gets involved in fundraising, such as the Monday night bingo they've been hosting for nearly 40 years and the annual dance at the A.C. Brase Arena Building.

"We primarily partner with organizations such as the Salvation Army," says Sanders. "We recently raised enough money to donate it to restore the park that's now known as Kiwanis Park."

Kenneth Heischmidt, president of the Rotary club of Cape Girardeau, says his organization also offers residents the opportunity to get involved.

"With 1.22 million people, it's the largest and oldest service organization in the world," he says. "All guided by the motto 'Service Above Self.' That depicts what makes members join: A devotion of service to others."

Heischmidt says his club often teams up with organizations like the Safe House for Women, the Discovery Playhouse and Boy and Girl Scouts to raise money or donate. Their biggest yearly event is the Soapbox Derby, which Heischmidt says not only brings in revenue to fund good works, but also brings together adults and children.

While it's better to give than it is to receive, Heischmidt says being part of a service club like his Rotarians comes with personal benefits.

"When I think about it, it's an organization that services needs in the local community, but it also opens doors for the individual nationally and internationally," he says.

Anyone interested in joining a volunteer organization can find out more about local ones by calling the United Way, Jernigan says.

"All organizations are looking for volunteers," she says.

In addition, the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) connects older adults in Southeast Missouri with volunteer opportunities that match their interests, skills and abilities. For more information, call the Cape Girardeau office at 573-335-7555 or the Chaffee, Missouri, office at 573-887-3664. A list of community needs and other information is also available at www.vicrsvp.org.