COMMUNITIES EAGER TO 'MAKE A DIFFERENCE'

Jake Cruzen, president of Phi Sigma Eta fraternity, painted Charles Huskey's face Saturday at the Make a Difference Day event at Arena Park sponsored by Sisters in Service.

Some Cape Girardeau residents who live near Central Junior High School (CJHS) awoke to the rustling of leaves early Saturday morning.

"I looked out the window and saw youngsters raking up leaves in my yard," said Mildred Mueller, who lives within sight of the junior high building. "They were doing a good job. It's wonderful to see youngsters get involved in community events."

Mueller was just one of several homeowners in the immediate CJHS neighborhood who received a "treat" from groups of students and adults who turned out early for the "Neighborhood Treat and Sweep" day activities.

More than 30 students, along with some teachers and parents, made the rounds of blocks in the neighborhood, ranking leaves, sweeping sidewalks and putting potted chrysanthemums on some porches.

The schools treat-and-sweep activity came for the national Make a Difference Day.

"This is our first all-school activity of the year," said Gerald Richards, principal at CJHS. "Make a Difference Day gives all students an opportunity to become involved."

A number of students, adults, and organizations became involved in the annual "Make a Difference Day," a nationwide initiative created by USA Weekend Magazine nine years ago. The program encourages children and adults to make a positive difference in the world.

How they do that is left up to the individual, and varies around the country and communities depending on needs, ability and interests.

In Houston, Tex., boxing champion George Foreman fixed up a house in his childhood neighborhood.

Singer Reba McEntire provided 10,000 books to needy children in Chicago.

More than 70 projects were scheduled in more than 40 communities throughout Missouri Saturday.

Throughout the immediate Cape Girardeau area, a number of people were "making a difference" Saturday, ranging from collecting socks for U.S. solders overseas, providing clothing for the needy, picking up trash, raking leaves and so much more.

Many groups were involved in the day's activities, including members of the Girl Scouts of Otahki Council, where each member pledged to pick up at least 10 pieces of trash. Board members of the Area Wide United Way were given a wish list of items needed by the agencies funded by United Way so they could make contributions as Make A Difference Day projects.

And, at Jackson, the post office was a collection point for socks for U.S. soldiers in Bosnia.

Many of the junior high students were up and about before dawn Saturday.

"I got up early, about 6:30 a.m.," said Lindsey Holman, an eighth-grader who was raking leaves with Rebecca Schild and Jessica Watters, both in the 8th grade.

"I usually sleep in until about 9 a.m. on Saturday," said Watters. "But, this is fun."

Also agreeing that it was fun was Kelly Tummins a 9th grade student.

"The homeowners have been great," said Tummins. "We had a few rakes, but needed more. People offered us the use of their yard equipment."

In another area of town, the "Sisters in Service" provided new and used clothing and toys for the needy Saturday.

The group, with help from Phi Sigma Eta fraternity, set up a four-hour station at the Arena Park Shelter, directly in front of the Arena Building.

Families and their children were also treated to free hot dogs and soda," said Olivia Laurenn of the group. Children were also treated to face painting.

"We also assisted a couple of residents with their lawns -- mowing the grass, trimming some bushes and trees," said Laurenn. .

The Sisters in Service's Make a Difference Day was primarily sponsored by Wal-Mart, which provided a $500 grant for the project.

"We also received toys and clothing from a number of other merchants and the community," said Laurenn.

Wal-Mart, Target and Paul Newman's food company, "Newman's Own" are among big sponsors for the annual event, held the fourth Saturday of each October.

The Sisters in Service organization, said Laurenn, was established to help make a difference in the community, by helping the elderly, needy family and others. The organization has adopted Broadway from Pacific St. to the river, she said.

"We meet periodically to pick up the trash along the route," said Laurenn. Also lending a hand in the Broadway project is Phi Eta Sigma.

"The Make a Difference program and the Broadway St. programs give us an opportunity to provide a service," said Phi Sigma Eta vice president, Gregory Russell. Also present at the Saturday event was Jake Cruzen, fraternity president.