Do you know a volunteer who tirelessly serves the community? Is there a business you want to thank for being a good neighbor? Do you know a group that works together to make a difference? The Helpline Center is currently seeking nominations for the 2012 Spirit of Volunteerism Awards.

Winners will be selected in categories including Youth, Group, Adult and Corporate Humanitarian. Winners of the Youth, Adult and Group Spirit of Volunteerism Awards will each receive a $500 award made payable to the non-profit organization of his/her choice.

Any person, non-profit organization, church, community group or business in the Sioux Empire can make a nomination. A nomination form is attached, along with a winning nomination as an example of an excellent nomination format. All nominations must be returned to the Helpline Center by April 2.

Each nominee will be featured and honored at the Spirit of Volunteerism Awards luncheon 11:30 am to 1 pm on May 8 at the Sioux Falls Convention Center. Tickets for the luncheon are available by calling 334-6646. Complimentary tickets are given to most nominees.

The Helpline Center is also accepting applications for the Citi Youth Leadership Awards, a scholarship program for Sioux Empire area seniors involved in community service. Citi, the sponsor of the scholarships, will award six $1,000 scholarships in 2012.

To be eligible for the scholarships, students need to be a senior at a Sioux Empire high school during the 2011-2012 academic year and have volunteered more than 100 hours in the past year.

Eligible service may include: service with community/religious organizations; service through school/community based service-learning projects, or individual efforts to help others and/or improve the community. This service cannot include fundraising, lobbying, or paid/stipend service.

Applications are available at school guidance counselor offices, at www.helplinecenter.org or by dialing 2-1-1. A nomination form is also attached. Students should submit the completed application to the Helpline Center office no later than March 26, and awards will be presented at the Spirit of Volunteerism banquet.

For more information on Spirit of Volunteerism nominations or Citi scholarships, dial 211, or 274-1407, and ask for Sara.