Do you know someone you consider a real hero? If you do, now is the time to speak to the American Red Cross.
The American Red Cross is now accepting nominations for their 2010 Real Heroes Awards.
To be eligible, the candidate must have committed a heroic act during 2009.
Officials say this event gives the community a chance to applaud those who go above and beyond.
Emergency Services Director Jennifer Perfect says when the Red Cross responds to disaster, it shows them how people can really shine in trying situations.
That's when heroes emerge.
"This give us the chance to see people at their best," Perfect said Wednesday. "And we get to celebrate people at their best."
But real heroes come from all walks of life, and all kinds of situations.
Every single person recognized at last year's Red Cross Real Heroes luncheon said they didn't consider their actions heroic.
Ryan Cunningham received a standing ovation.
"We don't really consider ourselves heroic," he said. "we're just ourselves."
Cunninham risked his own life to save a stranger when he ran into a burning home.
9-year-old Drew Heredia wrestled an attacking pit bull off of his friend.
The entire staff at the Preferred Family Care Clinic adopted a second grade class in Buttonwillow.
These days, that clinic continues its charitable work, but as always keeps a low profile.
Dr. Raj Patel says the need is more than ever.
"This year the demand for contributions and charitable donations have tremendously increased for several reasons," Dr. Patel said. "that includes the hard economy, people have increased need for support, as well as there are less contributors that I know."
Summer Williams-Rutledge has worked for the clinic for five years. She enjoys the clinic's involvement in the community.
"We do it out of the kindness of our own hearts," she said. "We don't expect any recognition, but it's nice."
The Real Heroes categories for 2010 are as follows:
-Educator
-EMT/safety
-Firefighter
-Law Enforcement
-Medical Professional
-Military
-Outstanding Role Model Adult
-Outstanding Role Model Youth
-Outstanding Role Model Group
-Fallen Hero
Perfect says the nominations are down right now compared to this time last year, and hopes the community will participate recognizing local real heroes.
"It doesn't have to be a superhero type of thing, it's the little actions of everyday life that we need to recognize."
To nominate a real hero, log onto www.kernredcross.org, or call the Red Cross at 324-6427.
The deadline is Jan. 15.
