REGIONAL FOOD BANK EARNS NATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR EFFORTS

A regional food bank has earned national recognition for its efforts to combat hunger.

The Bootheel Food Bank in Sikeston was one of only nine operations nationally to receive the Victory Against Hunger Award last week. The award includes a $1,000 private grant. The benefactor is the Congressional Hunger Center, an anti-hunger advocacy group based in Washington D.C.

This award is fitting recognition for an organization that provides food relief to 16 Southeast Missouri counties. They don't seek a lot of publicity or hoopla. They quietly go about their work to secure donations and commodities, and then dole it out to more than 200 charitable agencies. The food comes from a variety of sources -- grocery companies, various industries and private donations. They also handle USDA commodities and are a member of the Second Harvest Food Bank Network.

The food bank has grown substantially since its humble start in December of 1985. The original executive director -- Dorene Johnson -- remains at the helm today. During its first full year of operations, the food bank distributed 500,000 pounds of food to about 30 agencies. In 1992, distributions topped 3.5 million pounds. Although 1993 figures are not yet finalized, Johnson feels they will surpass that amount.

The Sikeston Bootheel Food Bank has met the region's needs for nearly a decade. In announcing the award, Congressman Emerson said the agency illustrates how local folks can work together on the front lines to fight hunger across the country. We agree.

We're thankful the Sikeston Bootheel Food Bank is in our midst, and we're glad to see their fine efforts have earned national recognition.

Speaking of key agencies that fight hunger on the front lines -- the Cape Girardeau FISH pantry has relocated into expanded operations at 106 S. Sprigg. We hope the agency continues to grow and prosper in its new quarters.

For years, the pantry had operated at the Maple Avenue Methodist Church.

FISH is an interdenominational community service project. It provides food, assistance and utility payments, transportation and medication to people in need.

FISH has made a lasting impact on our community. In 1992 alone, it helped 1,071 families representing 2,847 people. The secret to its success has been broad-based support by churches, businesses, organizations and individuals.

The new location will provide more space for storage and a place for telephone volunteers to work. Previously, space constraints limited volunteers to work from their homes.

We wish FISH good luck in its new location.

In this day of drive-through convenience and changing trends, it can be hard to find things that last. Not so at St. Paul Lutheran School in Jackson.

This local educational landmark recently celebrated 100 years. It's an impressive accomplishment that deserves recognition.

That first year, the school served seven students. Today, St. Paul Lutheran School continues its commitment religious training and education to a student body of 203.

The school has a number of special events and activities planned throughout the year to mark its centennial. The official founding date was Jan. 1, 1894.

We salute St. Paul Lutheran School on its 100th birthday. Jackson is known as the city of "Beautiful Homes, Churches and Schools." This thriving parochial school certainly underscores that motto.