By Paul Gray/Reported by David Ellis

THE HELP-THE-HOMELESS TROPHY: JOHNNY CARSON

He donated $55,000 to a zoo near his hometown of Norfolk, Neb. Why? Reuben, 7, the installation's only chimp, has outgrown his temporary quarters, a fortified mobile home. Carson's largesse will pay for a permanent primate exhibit--and perhaps buy Reuben a female companion.