NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR DELAWARES OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEERS; STATE OFFICE OF VOLUNTEERISM ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS THROUGH AUG. 18

DOVER (June 3, 2014) - Nominations for the Governor's Outstanding Volunteer Service Awards are being accepted by the State Office of Volunteerism through Aug. 18. These awards recognize the important contributions that Delaware's volunteers, 18 and older, make to their communities. Award recipients will be honored in October at a special ceremony at Dover Downs Hotel.

The awards honor individuals, organizations, community groups, and corporate volunteerism in the areas of arts and culture, education, community service, environment, health, human needs and social justice. The Paul Wilkinson Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to a person who has had a longtime commitment to volunteerism. Volunteer efforts must have been performed during 2013.

"As a state of neighbors, helping others is a big part of who we are and how we live," Gov. Jack Markell said. "Across our state, volunteers strengthen our sense of community, improve our quality of life and offer support to those in need. The Governor's Outstanding Volunteer Awards is an opportunity to recognize individuals and groups for the difference they are making, and to celebrate the spirit of volunteerism."

"These awards recognize the best and brightest in the field of volunteerism," Governor's Commission on Community and Volunteer Service Chair Jaye Pedante said. "The caliber of nominations grows exponentially every year. I am overwhelmed and humbled by the time, talent, and energy these outstanding volunteers bring to the people they serve."

Available on www.volunteerdelaware.org are the nomination form, frequently asked questions and an example of a successful nomination. Nominators may also request a nomination form by emailing carrie.hart@delaware.gov or by calling (302) 857-5006. Prior to submission, you may email the nomination form to Carrie Hart for review and feedback.

Nominations must be delivered by Aug. 18 to the Office of Volunteerism, Attn: Governor's Volunteer Service Awards, 805 River Road, Dover, DE 19901, or emailed to carrie.hart@delaware.gov

More than 148,000 Delawareans volunteered in 2010, contributing 16.9 million hours of service to nonprofit and community organizations, according to the Corporation for National & Community Service. Another 41,000 Delawareans volunteered informally helping neighbors or working on community issues.

The Governor's Outstanding Volunteer Service Awards are sponsored by the Office of the Governor and are coordinated by the State Office of Volunteerism and the Governor's Commission on Community and Volunteer Service.

For more information about the awards or volunteer opportunities, go to www.volunteerdelaware.org, or contact Carrie Hart, Volunteer Service Administrator, at (302) 857-5006 or via email carrie.hart@delaware.gov.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.