PORTLAND — The American Red Cross in Maine is accepting nominations for its 15th annual Real Heroes Awards through Feb. 10. The organization will recognize residents and employees of Cumberland and York counties who have demonstrated acts of heroism and shown courage, kindness and unselfish character in service to others.

Awards will be presented in the following categories: public safety, life saving, youth/community service, military, animal rescue, education, workplace safety, international service, medical provider/outreach and environmental service/outreach.

“Every day, our neighbors commit truly heroic acts that impact Mainers’ lives and strengthen the fabric of our community in a dramatic way,” said Maynard Hincks, president of the Board of Directors of the Red Cross in Maine. “Most often, these selfless acts receive little fanfare. Please join us in offering a much-deserved salute to these ‘real heroes’ among us.”

The awards will be presented during a March 30 ceremony at the Holiday Inn By the Bay in Portland. The event will include a silent auction with proceeds to benefit the Southern Maine chapter’s response to local disaster relief and emergency preparedness efforts throughout Maine.

Visit www.maineredcross.org/heroes to find complete award criteria and to nominate a “real hero” today. To qualify, the nominated act must have occurred between January and December of 2011.