The Missouri Veterans Home held it's annual Volunteer Appreciation Lunch at the Elks Lodge in Cape Girardeau on Tuesday, April 10th. Pictured are those volunteers honored as the Volunteers of the Year for 2011. They are, from left to right, back row: Jim Englehart, Rhonda Ray, Judy Biester, and Buddy Parrish. In front: Tom Whittard and Shirley Whittard.

During the lunch there were 135 other volunteers recognized, as well as several groups and organizations. During 2011 there was a cumulative total of 21,418 hours donated to assist the Veterans living at the home in Cape Girardeau.

Volunteers assist residents in several ways, including delivering ice and water, operating the canteen, delivering mail to resident rooms, helping with numerous bingo games and other activities and outings.

Anyone interested in volunteering should contact Debbie Monroe, Supervisor of Volunteer Services at 572-290-5870 ext. 5459.