I'm sure everyone knows at least one very special person who is always doing for others and never asking for anything in return. He or she may be a neighbor, a friend or a relative. When thinking about this person, you may ask yourself, where does he or she get the energy or time to volunteer for so many activities?

Each year the Town of Hempstead holds a special awards program in November. Our Make a Difference Awards are presented to Hempstead Town residents who have made a difference in the community or in the lives of others.

The untiring work of volunteers has a positive influence on the lives of many individuals in our community. Hempstead Town is filled with many citizens who dedicate their lives to helping others. Now is the time to recognize these special individuals. The Town of Hempstead's Tenth Annual Make a Difference Award will honor these selfless volunteers. The town's Make a Difference Award Committee will select 12 of the town's most qualified candidates, and present them with award medals at a special ceremony to be held at Hempstead Town Hall Tuesday, Nov. 14, at 7 p.m.

I am asking town residents to help us identify special people. Please supply a resume of a candidate's community involvement and let us know about the organizations with which he or she is involved. Make sure that all entries on the resume can be documented. Include the names, addresses and phone numbers of presidents or leaders of referenced organizations. We also request a cover letter from the nominator telling us about the nominee and why they are being nominated. Again, the candidate must be a Town of Hempstead resident.

Please send all resumes and documentation to the town's Office of Communications, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York 11550 by Friday, Oct. 6. Thank you for helping us honor volunteers who do so much to improve the lives of others.