Nominate local heroes of the pandemic

Nurses on the front lines in hospitals … aides caring for isolated seniors … the mask makers … the food pantry workers and school meal packers … the police and first responders putting their lives on the line in emergency response.

These are the tireless workers — the unsung heroes — who are guiding us through this new territory of a pandemic and beyond.

Every community has them, from the kindly health care worker who finds a way to cheer nursing home residents with hallway singalongs to the restaurant owner, struggling to keep his business afloat but still donating meals to hospital workers.

As we look back to a life defined by social distance and change — and as we look ahead to progress both against this coronavirus and toward economic recovery — we invite you, our readers, to help us celebrate local heroes.

Tell us about the people whose actions have made you stop and smile, whose selflessness has made a difference, whose kindness has paid forward for all of us a way toward the future.

We will feature profiles of heroes that you nominate in a special section in the coming weeks. This is your chance to share the stories that have inspired and warmed your heart.

You can submit nominations for heroes at bit.ly/heroes-form or email or send through mail to the address below. Tell us:

Your name (person submitting nomination)

Your contact information (person submitting nomination; not for publication)

Name of person you’re nominating and their employer or organization

Contact information for nominee (not for publication)

Tell us why you think this person is a hero. What has this person done to have an impact on others during the coronavirus pandemic? (maximum of 100 words)

Deadline for submissions is May 22

Forms can be emailed to heroes@medianewsgroup. com

Mail submissions to Heroes, MediaNews Group, 345 Penn St., Reading, PA 19601