Do you know people who go above and beyond the call of duty in their volunteer work? Are they advocates for the downtrodden and helpless? Do they give of themselves without any thought of personal gain?

If so, then submit their names for consideration for the 2009 Martin Luther King I Have a Dream Award.

In its 24th year, the I Have a Dream Award is given annually as a part of the Martin Luther King Jr. celebrations in January.

Nominees should have lived in Newton County for at least two years, be actively involved in the community in a selfless manner and not receiving any personal gain for their work in the community said Josephine Brown, secretary of the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Committee.

The nominees’ addresses and contact information should be included in the application along with a statement summarizing their volunteer work and how they "exemplify the philosophy of Dr. Martin Luther King" Brown said.

"We don’t always know who goes out of their way and does things for people," Brown said of the need for applications from the community.

All applications for nominees are due by Dec. 20. Nominees will be voted on by an anonymous screening committee.

The 2009 I Have a Dream Award winner will be announced at the Martin Luther King commemorative program held on Jan. 18 at Newton High School where the winner will be presented with a plaque.

Past recipients of the I Have a Dream Award include Forrest Sawyer, Dennis Cheek, the Rev. Billy Wade, the Rev. Clara Lett, T.K. and Louise Adams and Flemmie Pitts.

Applications should be sent to the King Celebration Committee, P.O. Box 185, Covington, Ga. 30015. For more information, contact Josephine Brown at (770) 787-0038.