Know a great volunteer? Virginia’s governor wants to know

Governor Terry McAuliffe announced Nov. 12 that nominations are now being accepted for the 2015 Governor’s Volunteerism and Community Service Awards.  The nomination period ends at 6:30 p.m. January 28.

McAuliffe was quoted in a news release as saying, “Virginians recognize that volunteerism can be its own reward, but these awards provide a special occasion each year in which we can recognize those individuals, families and businesses who serve their communities with distinction. I look forward to learning about their accomplishments.”

Awards will be presented in individual and group categories, including youth, senior and adult volunteers, faith-based organizations, families that volunteer together, community organizations, small businesses and corporations.

The awards recognize the outstanding efforts of Virginia’s volunteers.  Nominations are open to small businesses, corporations, community groups, individuals and families that exemplify extraordinary volunteerism and community service.

“Each year, the Commonwealth recognizes those who have demonstrated a commitment to serving their communities.  These individuals and organizations are among the 1.79 million Virginians who made a difference in the lives of others by volunteering last year,” said Fran Inge, Director of the Virginia Department of Social Services’ Division of Community and Volunteer Services.

Virginians, on average, contributed more than 221.7 million volunteer hours annually, the equivalent of $5.1 billion of service to the Commonwealth.

This year’s winners will be honored this spring during an awards ceremony in Richmond.  For more information or to nominate a person or group go to http://www.vaservice.org/go/volunteer/governors_volunteerism_awards/ or call 804-726-7918, 1-800-638-3839 or email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). Nomination forms can be submitted online at http://www.vaservice.org/go/volunteer/governors_volunteerism_awards/2015/ or downloaded and mailed to:

Virginia Department of Social Services
Office on Volunteerism and Community Service  
801 East Main Street, 15th Floor
Richmond, VA 23219.