Last year’s Axel W. Carlson “Unsung Hero” Award recipient, Ann Walsh of Mayville, is pictured center with Bob Young, Axel Carlson Award committee chairman, and Tory Irgang, Community Foundation executive director. Submitted photo

The Chautauqua Region Community Foundation is looking for a hero.

An unsung hero, that is.

Since 1986, the Foundation has presented its Axel W. Carlson “Unsung Hero” Award to individuals, and couples, going unnoticed in their community while helping others.

This year, the Foundation is accepting nominations for individuals who volunteer their time and talents to causes in the entire southern Chautauqua County region. Past recipients have been volunteers at local churches and nonprofit organizations, as well as, community events. They have also been neighbors who saw a community need and pitched in, without expecting any reward or recognition in return.

To nominate someone making a difference in your community, complete the nomination form by visiting crcfonline.org/unsunghero.

For more information, or to complete a paper copy of the form, contact Sarah Shelters, communications officer, at 661-3390 or sshelters@crcfonline.org

Nominations are due April 1.

A Swedish immigrant, Axel W. Carlson moved to Jamestown in the 1890s and strongly believed in helping people in need, but in the process of doing so never looked for reward or recognition.

Upon his death in 1981, he left a substantial portion of his estate to the Community Foundation to create several funds to support future needs of this region. This award was created in his honor.