In this community, a remarkable number of people step up and do what needs to be done to make it a better place to live. Many of them do far more than their fair share, and their contributions are multifaceted, covering a range of activities and needs.

That old notion “When you want something done, ask a busy person” always comes to mind in reviewing the nominees. It seems like the people inclined to come forward for one project are the same ones already involved in half a dozen others.

Each year since 1969, we’ve chosen one person to recognize as the Daily World Citizen of the Year, and we’ve asked for your help identifying candidates. Once again, we’re asking you to nominate candidates for Citizen of the Year, Police Officer of the Year and Firefighter of the Year.

The criteria for Citizen of the Year are pretty simple. We’re looking for people who have made a difference in terms of voluntary public service, above and beyond the contributions they make as part of their work lives.

For police officers and firefighters, we’re primarily looking for candidates who have made outstanding contributions in their departments and their professions. If their good works go beyond their professional lives, so much the better — we’d like to hear about that, too.

There’s a nomination form on Page A4 of today’s paper. To make a nomination, you can either fill that out or simply write us a letter telling us about the person and what they’ve done to make things better.

Either way, you can mail it to us at The Daily World, Box 269, Aberdeen, WA 98520, Attn: Karen Barkstrom. You could also email it to kbarkstrom@thedailyworld.com.

Nominations will be accepted through Tuesday, March 27. The winners will be announced in April, and we hope you’ll join us to honor them at the Citizen of the Year Banquet on Thursday, May 17, at the Aberdeen Elks.

The people who win these awards don’t do what they do for the recognition. But let’s give them some anyway.