LIMA — The United Way is now accepting nominations for Jefferson Award winners around the area until Feb. 21.
The Lima branch of the charitable organization is set to award 12 winners with donation prizes along with a medal in thanks for their service efforts in the counties of Allen, Putnam, Van Wert, Auglaize, Hardin and Hancock.
“We just ask the public to think of somebody that they know that’s gone over and above board with their volunteer efforts and to nominate them,” Erin Hardesty, president and CEO of the branch, said. “We just really want to see a nice number of adults and youth get nominated because it is a great honor.”
Anyone can nominate up to eight adults and four youths for the awards, which are selected by a panel of area leaders and past winners.
“I was a winner and everyone selected by the committee are winners,” Hardesty said. “But one is selected to go to the national banquet at the local awards banquet March 26.”
Hardesty said that as a winner, you do not expect to be recognized for your work and that it comes secondary to the actual good that you put into the community.
“I was shocked because I did not do what I did in the community for the recognition,” she said. “And I think the nice part about it is that you get to talk about your volunteerism and the charity that you volunteer for. And the winners even receive checks to give back to their mission.”
Adult winners of the Jefferson Awards receive $350 to go to the nonprofit of their choice sponsored by the family of Alberta Lee and youth winners receive $250 sponsored by Ed and Sandra Monfort.
But it is still an exciting feeling for the winners to know that they have won.
“It’s just a good feeling even though you really don’t want to be recognized,” Hardesty said. “You didn’t ask for it, but when you are recognized, it’s nice to see all of your peers around the community who were recognized with you and it’s a nice award.”
All recipients also receive a medal at the banquet which will be at the Veterans Memorial Civic and Convention Center.
Hardesty said that she is looking forward to going through the selection process.
“When we have to pick somebody, it’s extremely hard to do,” she said. “We all look at the applications individually and number them. We know who the people are, but often we had no idea they were committing these acts of service and we’re always surprised by how dedicated the youth are and how much work they do for the community.”
The Lima News, Cenovus Lima Refinery and Your Hometown Stations all sponsor the awards.
For more information or to nominate someone, visit the Lima United Way website.
Anyone interested in nominations can also call 419-227-6341.
Reach Jacob Espinosa at 567-242-0399.
