We often call volunteers the unsung heroes of our community. They give unselfishly of their time and talents to help others, and usually do so without recognition or reward. Once a year, we have a special opportunity to sing the praises of these unsung efforts. April 19-25 is National Volunteer Week, and here in Dallas, April 13 is the date of the 18th annual Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Awards Celebration. This year, more than 200 local nominees will be honored, including many Lakewood/East Dallas residents and organizations. Congratulations to the following neighborhood residents nominated for the 1998 Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Award. They are listed with the organization where they volunteer. Tom Bratcher, BryanÕs House; Catherine Burkhard, Camp Fire Boys and Girls; Beulah Holman, Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Society; Dianne Howes, Family Outreach of East Dallas; Ana Jimenez, Lipscomb Elementary School; Florence Kilmer, Greater Lakewood ShepherdÕs Center; Minerva Laxton, J.B. Bonham Elementary School; Rick Peeples, Oak Lawn Community Services; Allison Whitehead, The Arc of Dallas; LuAnne Wilson, the Science Place. The following neighborhood groups also were nominated for their volunteer efforts: Americorps, James W. Fannin Elementary School; The Nautilus Group, Meals on Wheels/Visiting Nurses Association; Girl Scout Troop 410, mentoring program at Town Club Apartments; and Bank of America, Oak Lawn Community Services. If you know any of these outstanding volunteers or other who are making a difference in our community, take time this month to tell them you appreciate their efforts. And if you are a volunteer Ð thank you for your willingness to serve.
