A 2003 winner of the Area Wide United Way's annual Volunteer Recognition Award, The Lutheran Home Auxiliary was also recognized nationally by the Points of Light Foundation as an outstanding volunteer group. Following the annual recognition luncheon in April, the United Way nominated the four winners of its awards as Daily Points of Light.

The Lutheran Home Auxiliary was nominated to receive the United Way award by Janice Unger at the Lutheran Home. The nomination highlighted the auxiliary's mission of enhancing the lives of the residents of the Lutheran Home.

"If it helps make the residents more comfortable, we do it," said Gladys Nebel, auxiliary president.

"The Lutheran Home Auxiliary is volunteerism at its best," said Nancy Jernigan, executive director of Area Wide United Way. "This group of volunteers, many elderly themselves, is affecting the quality of life of residents at the Lutheran Home. Sincere in their efforts, this is what volunteerism is all about -- friends and neighbors taking care of friends and neighbors."

To learn more about becoming a volunteer call the Area Wide United Way at 334-9634 or the Volunteer Intergenerational Center at 335-7555.

The Area Wide United Way works in Cape Girardeau, Jackson and Scott City to address local health and human service issues by focusing on critical issues and convening the community around a specific agenda to address those issues.

The 2003 fund-raising campaign is under way and has raised one-third of the $935,000 goal.

Its Web site is www.areawideunitedway.org.