Moore County Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) announces that it is accepting nominations for the 2006 N.C. Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service sponsored by the Governor's Office and the N.C. Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service.

This year marks the 28th anniversary of the program that showcases North Carolina's most dedicated volunteers.

This annual award honors outstanding volunteers in community service who donate their time through agencies, churches, or as independent individuals who are just making a difference where they live.

Each county will select five individuals, businesses, or groups to be recognized for their outstanding contributions to their communities. One of the five Moore County recipients will be nominated to receive the NC Outstanding Volunteer Medallion. A statewide luncheon is scheduled for the fall to honor the 20 Medallion awardees chosen from across the state.

"We are extremely proud to recognize Moore County's dedicated volunteers with the N.C. Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service," says RuthAnne Via, director of Moore County RSVP. "Volunteers are role models in our community, donating their time, energy and talent to bring us closer together as neighbors and a community. These awards are our way of thanking these volunteers and inspiring everyone in our community to make volunteering a central part of their lives."

Any individual, group, business, or organization whose volunteer activities in North Carolina benefit the community or the State of North Carolina in a substantial, important, or unique way is eligible for the award. Students who are receiving course credits are eligible only if the volunteer service extends beyond course requirements. Individuals receiving compensation for their services, or persons nominating themselves, spouses, or family members cannot be accepted.

Nominations are being accepted until June 30. Nomination forms are available from the Moore County Department of Aging, located at 302 Monroe Street in Carthage, all branches of the Moore County Public Library, and the Southern Pines Public Library or may be downloaded from www.volunteernc.org.

Completed nomination forms should be mailed to RuthAnne Via at PO Box 487, Carthage, NC 28327, faxed to 910-947-6409, or e-mailed to rvia@moore countync.gov.

"The Moore County RSVP is committed to supporting volunteerism in Moore County," says Via. "We assist more than 30 non-profit agencies with recruiting, training, and recognizing their valuable volunteers. We also help adults, age 55 or older, find ways to invest their time and energy in enjoyable, meaningful activities that not only benefit the community, but also keep them active and productive citizens."