UNITED WAY TO RECOGNIZE VOLUNTEERS AT LUNCHEON

Volunteers of nearly every age will be recognized during a luncheon Thursday at Drury Lodge sponsored by the Area Wide United Way.

For 14 years, the United Way has honored community volunteers with a special event.

"It's a way to recognize community volunteers who do service not to be recognized but out of the goodness of their hearts," said Kathy Denton, the United Way's assistant director.

There are categories for people 25 and younger, adults from 26 to 59 and senior adults older than 60. There is another category for groups and organizations.

There were different people nominated this year than in years past, Denton said.

"It seemed like more agencies are aware that volunteerism is an important aspect" and nominated someone, she said.

During the luncheon, volunteers will be recognized and then winners in each category will be announced. This year marks the International Year of Volunteers.

"We are trying to educate new volunteers and promote volunteerism because so many youths are required to do volunteer work," Denton said. "We want to make people aware that volunteer opportunities exist and there are people willing to volunteer."