To recognize those who selflessly give of their time and talents, NBC 10 and United Way of Rhode Island (UWRI) partner to honor local volunteers who go above and beyond to improve our communities through the annual Jefferson Awards for Public Service. Nominations are now being accepted and may be submitted through the NBC 10 website, www.turnto10.com. The deadline for submissions is Jan. 10, 2014.

Often called the Nobel Prize for community and public service, the Jefferson Awards were established in 1972 to honor individuals for their contributions through community service that help change lives while inspiring others to volunteer. The prestigious awards are given at both the national and local levels. At the local level, recipients are ordinary people who do extraordinary things without the expectation of recognition.

Nominations will be reviewed by a panel of independent judges with winners announced in March and invited to attend a special award ceremony. Of the three local winners, one will be chosen to represent the area at the Jefferson Awards National Ceremonies in Washington, D.C. in June.

For more information on the Jefferson Awards for Public Service, or to nominate a volunteer, visit the Jefferson Awards page on the NBC 10 website.