The deadline to submit nominations in honor of outstanding volunteers serving Hanover County has been extended to March 18 at 5 p.m.

These annual awards recognize outstanding volunteer service throughout our county.  Anyone may nominate inspiring individuals or groups of any age, whether they serve small or large organizations, schools, neighborhoods, government, faith-based community initiatives or civic-led community outreach.  Self-nominations are also welcomed.

These awards allow the community to acknowledge the work of our local “unsung heroes”.  Anyone may nominate inspiring individuals or groups of any age in one of eight categories:

• Spirit of One (honoring an individual over 18);

• Spirit of Youth (honoring youth or youth group up to age 18 or still in high school);

• Spirit of Dedication (honoring an individual 60 and over);

• Spirit of Team (honoring two or more adult volunteers working toward a common cause);

• Spirit of Family (honoring two or more family members working together toward a common purpose);

• Spirit of Inspiration (honoring an individual who has volunteered 20 years or more for a specific organization);

• Commitment to Community (recognizing a Hanover business which has demonstrated a sustained commitment to supporting the community);

• And, new this year, Spirit of Youth – Team (honoring an exceptional group of youth/club whose members are 18 or younger and still attending high school.)

Award recipients will be selected from each category.  All will receive an engraved plaque and a financial donation of up to $250 made in their honor to the tax-exempt organization designated on the honoree’s nomination form.  The County will also nominate the award recipient for the statewide Governor’s Community Service and Volunteerism Awards.

All nominees will be recognized and award recipients will be announced at the Spirit of Volunteerism Celebration on Tuesday, May 14 at 7 p.m. in the Hanover High School auditorium. This event is free and open to the public.

Online submission information and other details are available at www.hanovervolunteers.org or by contacting the Hanover County Department of Community Resources at (804) 365-4300.