Meet our 2020 Difference Makers!

The Difference Makers campaign spotlights those in our area who give of their time and talent without seeking recognition or repayment.

People like this are the foundation of any strong community because they solve problems when there is nothing in it for them, and help those in need who might otherwise go hungry, homeless or otherwise fall through the cracks.

Today, we announce our 10 Difference Makers for 2020, nominated by those who have witnessed their good works first hand.

On Thursday, we will announce our Difference Maker of the Year. This will be done through a video released on our DAR Facebook page at 6 p.m. Thursday. Due to increasing cases of COVID-19, we unfortunately did not feel we could safely hold this year’s banquet, but plan to return with it in 2021.

In a special magazine in today’s edition, you can read about the finalists and the organizations they support. The finalists are: Dave Elledge, Buddy Ball; Jenny Fears, Deliver Hope; Patricia Jakylovich, Lake Road Elementary; Rosa Johnson, Butler County NAACP; Serra McCabe, Ripley County Outreach Ministry; Janet McNece, Women Aware; Kati Ray, Poplar Bluff History Museum; Laura Sappington, United Gospel Rescue Mission; Sabrina Weaver, PBJH Mules Soccer teams; and Bishop Ron Webb, Mt. Calvary Powerhouse Church.