The Moore County RSVP is accepting nominations for the 2009 North Carolina Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service.

The award is sponsored by the Governor's Office and the N.C. Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service.

RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) coordinates volunteer services in Moore County. It is an arm of the Moore County Department of Aging.

This year marks the 31st anniversary of the program showcasing North Carolina's most dedicated volunteers. The award honors outstanding volunteers in community service who donate their time through agencies, churches, or as independent individuals who just like to make a difference where they live.

"We are extremely proud to recognize Moore County's dedicated volunteers with the N.C. Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service," said Shiela Klein, 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 as 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."

A local committee evaluates nominations and selects five individuals, businesses and/or groups to be recognized. One of the five Moore County recipients will be nominated to receive the North Carolina Outstanding Volunteer Medallion. A statewide luncheon will be held in the fall to honor the 20 medallion award winners across the state.

Any individual, group, business or organization whose volunteer activities benefit the Moore County community or the state in a substantial, important or unique way is eligible, according to Klein. Students who receive course credits are eligible only if the volunteer service extends beyond course requirements. Neither individuals receiving compensation for their services nor persons nominating themselves, spouses or family members are accepted.

Nominations will be accepted until June 30.

Those making nominations are advised to use only the 2009 nomination form, available at the Moore County Senior Enrichment Center, 8040 U.S. 15-501, north of Pinehurst, at all branches of the Moore County Public Library or the Southern Pines Public Library, or downloaded from www.volunteernc. org.

Completed nomination forms should be mailed to Shiela Klein at P.O. Box 487, Carthage 28327, faxed to 15-0278, or e-mailed to sklein@moorecountync.gov.

RSVP assists 40 nonprofit agencies with recruiting, training and recognizing volunteers and also helps adults, ages 55 or older, to "find ways to invest their time and energy in enjoyable, meaningful activities that not only benefit the community, but keep them active and productive citizens," Klein said.

More Information is available by calling Klein at 215-0900.