Lehigh County is now accepting nominations for the 25th annual Unsung Heroes Awards program.

“Lehigh County Office of Aging and Adult Services is honoring volunteers. Our agency honors older adults in May in celebration of Older Americans Month. The Unsung Heroes event celebrates the contributions of older adults in our community who generously give their time and talents to enhance the lives of those around them while demonstrating healthy aging,” the county website states. “Do you know an older adult who generously gives their time and talents to enhance the lives of those around them? Do you know someone who is a true Unsung Hero? Please nominate them so that we can celebrate them this May.”

To be eligible for consideration, the nominee must meet the following criteria, according to the county website.

• At least 60 years of age

• Lehigh County resident

• Achievements, accomplishments or service performed on a volunteer basis, not paid

• Performed outstanding contributions or services that promoted, enhanced and enriched the quality of life for others

• Available to attend the Unsung Hero celebration in May

Nomination forms, in both English and Spanish, can be printed from the aging and adult services page at lehighcounty.org. You can also call the office at 610-782-3034 for a form. All nominations forms are due, by mail or email, to the Office of Aging and Adult Services by March 31 — Lehigh County Government Center Aging and Adult Services, 17 S. Seventh St., Allentown, 18101-2400 or agingandadult@lehighcounty.org.

If you are nominating more than one person, you need a separate form for each person. If you are nominating a group, you can submit only one essay but still need to complete separate forms for each member.

Those who have already received an Unsung Heroes Award are not eligible.

“Essays must be written in the nominator’s own words, and nominators are strongly encouraged to paint an interesting picture of their nominee through descriptive explanations of their involvement and accomplishments as you and others see them,” the website states.

Lehigh County will recognize the award winners during a ceremony May 21. The nominees selected by the committee will be required to submit photos for the ceremony presentation. Those photos will be returned to the nominee.

If you have questions, call the office at 610-782-3034.

“This annual tradition celebrates an older adult whose community has been enhanced through their active engagement, volunteerism and service to others. We all know who these wonderful people are in our community. They are often the unsung heroes our communities cannot live without and are always there to volunteer their time when needed,” the county says.