Fourteen groups and individuals in Moore County were nominated this year for the North Carolina Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service.

From these nominations, five will be chosen for special recognition at the annual RSVP volunteer appreciation breakfast Oct. 12.

This year’s nominees are Mamie Alley, Southern Pines Primary School; Barbara Berndt, First Health Moore Regional Hospital; Mary Galtere, Good Hands Gang; Bill Hager, Moore County Chapter, American Red Cross; Charles Holder, First Health Moore Regional Hospital; Barbara and Robert Lee, Given Memorial Library;

Jeanne MacGregor, Moore County Literacy Council; Mary Meindle, St. Joseph of the Pines; Nancy Mirabelli, Guardian ad Litem; Vic Suglia, Southern Middle School; Ruth van Lehn, Habitat for Humanity Moore County; Jill Woodlief, Cameron Elementary School; The Gingerbread Committee, Vass-Lakeview Elementary School; Habitat Moore Store Volunteers, Habitat for Humanity Moore County.

This year marks the 27th anniversary of the North Carolina Awards for Outstanding Volunteer Service. The program was initiated by a former governor to recognize the concern and compassion North Carolinians show for their neighbors through volunteer services in hospitals, schools, and nonprofit agencies.

RSVP — Retired Senior Volunteer Program — offers volunteer opportunities to adults age 55 and older. This is a way for older residents to “have a positive impact on their community, to stay active and involved and to keep their minds sharp and their hearts open,” according to an RSVP spokesperson. RSVP is coordinated through the Moore County Department of Aging.