Schott: Looking for the next batch of Everyday Heroes

Inspired and humbled. That was my reaction last year as we sorted the nearly 50 nominees we received for our inaugural Everyday Heroes initiative to just 16 recipients. These were your neighbors and co-workers. There were people who raised money for everything from cancer research to Special Olympics. A young man who collected gently used school supplies to give to children who couldn't afford their own. A woman who mails care packages to troops overseas. I felt blessed to live in a community so many of these amazing people called home. And I'm looking forward to again learning about the many wonderful people who live in Will and Grundy counties. We're thrilled to work with ExxonMobil, CenterPoint Properties and Silver Cross Hospital to bring Everyday Heroes back for a second year to The Herald-News and Morris Herald-News. An Everyday Hero is that person who gives without expecting any recognition or accolades for doing so ? those who selflessly donate their time and talents to help those in need or to better their community. We're looking to bestow Everyday Hero awards on at least a dozen special people in Will and Grundy counties. Nominees must be at least 13 years old, and live or work in either Will or Grundy counties at the time of nomination. Submit the name, hometown and workplace of your nominee, along with a letter of 300 or fewer words, describing why your nominee deserves the honor. We will celebrate the recipients at an awards breakfast, scheduled for Sept. 9 at the Joliet Country Club. We'll also devote a special section in the Sept. 11 Sunday edition of the paper (and online too) to our recipients. Applications will be accepted through July 15 at www.theherald-news.com/forms/everyday-heroes/ or mail it to: The Herald-News, Attn: Everyday Heroes, 2175 Oneida St., Joliet, IL 60435. For more information, call projects and events manager Sarah Dilg at 815-280-4113. Please consider nominating your everyday hero to get the recognition he or she may not seek, but surely deserves. Thank you for reading The Herald-News. ? Kate Schott is editor of The Herald-News, the Morris Herald-News and Herald Life. She can be reached at kschott@shawmedia.com or 815-280-4119. Follow her on Twitter @Kate_Schott78.