The American Red Cross serving south central Illinois is seeking nominations for the 2016 Heroes of the Heartland Awards. The awards honor individuals and groups in this area, who embody the mission of the Red Cross by showing great bravery, dedication and service to the community.

If you know a local hero, someone who has made an extraordinary contribution by putting their needs aside to help others, complete the Heroes of the Heartland online nomination form at redcross.org/csil and share their story. Nominations are being accepted in eight catagories: civic, community, healthcare, military, public safety, senior, youth and workplace.

The nomination deadline is May 10, 2016.

The 2016 Heroes of the Heartland award recipients will be honored at the annual Heroes of the Heartland Dinner on Thursday, July 14, 2016 at the Crowne Plaza in Springfield.