Ginger Brawley is a human dynamo who can always be found lending a hand at her Niles church, helping make others smile and just pitching in where she is needed. Jim Mahler and Kayla Reth fills bellies and spread joy each week at the Salvation Army. Ginger Luxemberger is a quiet force in making Cassopolis beautiful each year.

It was a little more than a year ago that the community “met” these and 10 other Unsung Heroes, learning about leadership, sacrifice and commitment through their examples.

It is that time once again.

The staff here at Leader Publications is already hard at work on our annual Horizons edition that publishes Feb. 26, 2015. February may sound like a long ways away, but we all know it will be here soon enough.

Horizons — a 104-page community yearbook that is our shining achievement each year — showcases the great people, organizations and features that makes southwest Michigan so special. Last year we added “Unsung Heroes,” a submitted component asking you, our readers, to tell us who your heroes are and why.

The response was overwhelming.

We received more than a dozen articulate and heartfelt nominations for a diverse group of people who are making a difference across our communities.

So, let’s double those heroes this year!

We know there are countless individuals working behind the scenes to make our communities thrive. Help us find them and give them the honor and recognition they deserve.

Please send nominations to:

“Unsung Heroes” c/o Leader Publications, 217 N. Fourth St., Niles, MI 49120.

Write a brief description of why this individual is an unsung hero. Nominations must include your name, address and phone number but you can request to remain anonymous when it comes to publication or letting the individual know. The deadline for entry will be later this year but don’t wait to nominate the people who are special in your lives.

The most deserving individuals often receive the least credit. This is a way to say “thank you” to our heroes.

 

Michael Caldwell is the publisher of Leader Publications LLC. He can be reached at (269) 687-7700 or by email at mike.caldwell@leaderpub.com.