YOUNG VOLUNTEER HONORED

How many hands does it take to build a peanut butter sandwich for hungry flood victims? Not many when Raymond Primonato is on the job.

Primonato, 10, was honored for his volunteer efforts as the Super Kid of Summer through the Jackson Wal-Mart.

He was part of the Red Cross flood-relief efforts from the first splash of the Mississippi River overflowing its banks. He prepared food and drinks for the victims and the relief workers and loaded food onto the vehicles for delivery into flood-ravaged areas.

While most children were hanging out at the pool, Primonato was hard at work stuffing, stamping and preparing a mail campaign to assist the Red Cross in its fund-raising efforts.

"Ray has learned at his young age that in times of emergencies help can't wait," said Mary Burton of the American Red Cross. She nominated Primonato for the new award.

"Watching Ray work with the older Red Cross volunteers and the joy and fun he brings into their lives lifts our spirits and gladdens our hearts," she said. "Ray has laid the framework which will carry him through his adult life, which will make him a better citizen and individual."

The Super Kids of Summer award is for children ages 6 through 10.

Super Kids of Summer is one of a new series of Sam Walton Community Leader Awards that local Wal-Mart stores may give.

Barbara Scheper coordinates the Community Leader Awards for the Jackson Wal-Mart.

Other awards include a college scholarship, an award for school volunteers, a teacher of the year award and a business leadership award. The awards are designed to show community pride, encourage volunteerism and give something back to the communities that support Wal-Mart stores.