LEWISTON – The United Valley American Red Cross is seeking nominations for the fifth Real Heroes Awards, which recognize community individuals or groups who have demonstrated an act of heroism and have shown courage, kindness and unselfish character in their service to others.

An advisory committee of community leaders will select the winners, and awards will be presented at the fifth annual Real Heroes Breakfast to be held on Thursday, March 26. Nominations must be submitted no later than Friday, Feb. 20.

Nominees should meet the following criteria to be considered for the Real Heroes Awards:

Must be a resident of or employed in Androscoggin, Oxford, Franklin, Kennebec or Somerset County.

Must have performed the heroic act between Jan. 1, 2008, and Dec. 31, 2008.

Should fall into one of these award categories: public safety, life saving, community service, youth community service, military, international service, animal rescue, education or workplace safety.

Nomination forms are available at www.maineredcross.org.

For more information, call Laurie Levine at 795-4004, ext. 301, or visit www.maineredcross.org.