AARP Nebraska is accepting nominations for its annual Andrus Award, which honors a Nebraskan age 50 or older who has made a significant difference through volunteer service.
Individuals and couples, including domestic partners, are eligible. Nominees do not have to be AARP members.
Robin Szwanek, associate state director of community outreach for AARP Nebraska, said the award recognizes volunteer work that furthers AARP’s mission and inspires others to serve in their communities. The winner will receive a $2,500 donation to the nonprofit organization of their choice.
"And they do not have to be an AARP member," said Szwanek. "It can be any member in that community of Nebraska here, where we will give a $2,500 check that is donated to the nonprofit organization of the winner's choice."
To qualify, Szwanek said, a volunteer’s achievements must be replicable and encourage others to get involved.
Past winners often have drawn on their life experiences in their volunteer work, bringing years of knowledge to projects that improve their communities, she said.
"Whether it be the development of maybe a park system that they did, or beautifying part of their community," said Szwanek. "Anybody who is truly giving of themselves."
Those efforts could include “the development of maybe a park system” or “beautifying part of their community,” Szwanek said. “Anybody who is truly giving of themselves.”
Nominations can be submitted by members of the public, including AARP volunteers, as well as community groups and organizations. The deadline is July 15.