Volunteer a name for award

To the editor:

Alaska is fortunate to have one of the highest rates of volunteerism in the nation. In fact, 34 percent of our residents volunteer a total of 28 million hours annually. That's more than 55 volunteer hours per Alaskan every year.

Wherever I travel in Alaska, I meet volunteers with big hearts and helping hands. So for this year's First Lady's Volunteer of the Year Awards, there are plenty of Alaskans worthy of recognition. I hope you will take a look around you in the Mat-Su Valley and nominate someone who has demonstrated a commitment to volunteerism and who makes a significant impact in the community or across Alaska.

Nominations for the First Lady's Volunteer of the Year Awards are due by March 1, 2012. Details are available at gov.alaska.gov, where you'll also find a link to a nomination form. And thanks to all our volunteers for making a difference across our great state.

Sandy Parnell

Juneau