Jaycees help build community

To the editor:

The Cape Girardeau Jaycees are very proud of our current president, Eric Heins, for his victory at the St. Louis Marathon and his plans to try out for the Olympics. Not only did he deserve to be on the front page of the local paper, but he should have an in-depth article not only on his athletic accomplishments but also his community involvement.

Many past and present Jaycees have reached personal goals like Eric's, whether it be overcoming the fear of public speaking, starting their own business or running for political office. There are many ways the Jaycees have contributed to Cape Girardeau such as delivering Christmas toys for children through the annual Toybox project, raising money for various charities, installing playground equipment at Jaycee Joyland park, building the Jaycee Municipal Golf Course and many others.

We encourage anyone between the ages of 21 and 39 to join the Jaycees. You can network with fellow business associates, improve leadership skills by running a local project, use the Jaycee Municipal Golf Course or attend state and national conventions. We also have many fun group activities like Friday socials, annual float trip, hayride and Christmas party. We need more people to get involved like Eric Heins, who is not only a coach at Southeast Missouri State University and an accomplished athlete, but also a leader in the community.

TARA CALDWELL

Member

Cape Girardeau Jaycees

Thebes, Ill.