Do you ever find yourself thinking of a friend, neighbor or relative, someone who is always doing things for others without ever asking for anything in return, and wonder how he does it? Where she finds the energy or the time to volunteer for so many activities, or what drove him to devote himself so tirelessly to his cause? When you think of this person, do you wish you could do something to show him just how much you and so many others appreciate everything he does?

Now is the time to recognize that special person. Every year, the Town of Hempstead presents Make a Difference awards to residents who have made a difference in the community or in the lives of others. The town's Make a Difference Award Committee will select 12 of the town's most qualified candidates and present them with their award medals at a special ceremony to be held at Hempstead Town Hall Tuesday, Nov. 15, at 7 p.m.

I am asking you, Hempstead Town residents, to help us find these special men and women. If you know someone who is a resident of the Town of Hempstead and who you think has made a difference, please let us know about him or her. To do so, please supply a resume of the candidate's community involvement, including organizations and activities he or she serves and attends. Make sure that all entries on the resume can be documented. Include the names, addresses and phone numbers of the presidents or leaders of these organizations. Additionally, we request a cover letter from you, the nominator, telling us in your own words about this individual and why you are nominating him or her for this special award.

Please send all resumes and documentation to my office, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York 11550 by Friday, Oct. 7. Thank you for helping us honor these outstanding volunteers who do so much for so many.