They volunteer countless hours of their valuable time, routinely perform selfless acts of human kindness, and go out of their way to benefit others and the community.

Customarily, they do so quietly and without fanfare.

Now, you have a chance to nominate them for the recognition they deserve. Through Feb. 17, nominations are being accepted for the Jefferson Awards for Public Service. The awards recognize outstanding individuals who dedicate their time and energy to making a difference through volunteering and community service.

Five local award recipients will be selected by a panel of business and community leaders. The panel includes one of last year's Jefferson Award recipients, Petty Floyd, who has volunteered her time with the Institute for Human Services for 26 years, serving more than 900 meals a day to men, women and children who are homeless.

The panel will select one of those recipients to join representatives from around the nation at the national Jefferson Awards ceremonies in Washington, D.C., in June.

The final five recipients will be recognized during ceremonies here in March.

Here's how to nominate an unsung hero: