KINDNESS HOTLINE

Kindness links generations

Jackson middle school students helped plant flowers at Jackson Manor during Random Acts of Kindness Week. The students and Manor residents participate in S.H.A.R.E. (Students, Helping, Aiding, Reaching the Elderly). The purpose of S.H.A.R.E. is to provide intergenerational programming for residents of Jackson Manor along with an opportunity for outreach and service for students. Select students go to the Jackson Manor on a weekly basis. Roxanne Smith, a volunteer at Jackson Manor, is facilitator of the program. She helps students learn about the aging process and supervises the students' activities. When returning to school, the students are encouraged to report on their experiences to classmates either through individual classes or the school newspaper.

Driving kindness

Bernice Cobb thanked taxi driver Debra Tharnish for her kind acts. She helps people in and out of the cab, carries groceries and is very nice and kind to all her passengers.

Thanks to P.J.

A young man in Cape Girardeau, we'll call him P.J., is very good about looking after elderly people. I am elderly and he comes by to see me during bad weather, calls me to see if I need anything. When my car wasn't in working condition, he saw that I got to church every Sunday morning. He'd pick me up and take me to the grocery store or have me to tell him what I wanted over the phone and he would deliver it. He works two jobs and he's also a minister. He's just very kind and everybody in the family appreciates what he does for me and others because most of my children are living out of town. I just wanted to say thanks to P.J. and may God bless you continually.

Humane Society tips hat

Pat Dobson of Cape Girardeau donated a sailboat to the Humane Society of Southeast Missouri. Cynthia Kothe reported that Dobson loves animals and has adopted a dog and a cat from the shelter. The boat has already been sold and proceeds will be used to handle the influx of animals. "It's puppy and kitten season, and we're already inundated with infants," said Kothe.

Canned food drive

Southwestern Bell, Southwestern Bell Telephone and Southwestern Bell Wireless and SBC Operations Inc. will hold a canned food drive to benefit the Jackson Senior Center's food pantry. All Southwestern Bell locations and employees in Cape Girardeau will participate in the food drive through May 20.

Vision of kindness

Staff from Regional Eyecare Center visited the Missouri Veterans Home Monday night to donate their time adjusting, cleaning, tightening or replacing nose pads on eyeglasses for residents. Staff members will also make their monthly visit Thursday to the Cape Girardeau Senior Center to offer the same services.

Playing host

Blondell Smithwick reported Hildred Simmons is giving Maxine Breezeel a place to stay while Breezeel's home is being repaired. Breezeel's home was considerably damaged after a tree fell on it last month.

Kindness during loss

Veronica Butler reported William and Betty Kuss at Lorberg Funeral Chapel were very helpful after her husband died. The Kusses were very kind about handling several details, including insurance paperwork, after her husband's death, Mrs. Butler said.