WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Melissa Hart on Sept. 25 named a Sarver man as the recipient of her 2006 Good Citizen Award.

Tom Hughes was nominated for the award by the Habitat for Humanity Allegheny Valley, where he has volunteered since 1998.

"Without a doubt, Tom has made an enormous contribution to our region," Hart said in a press release. "In his nine years of volunteering, Tom has had an impact on the lives of hundreds of people throughout the region."

Diane Belitskus, executive director for Habitat for Humanity Allegheny Valley, credited Hughes for organizing work projects involving groups of up to 50 people from various states.

Hart started the Good Citizen Award in 1999 to honor individuals whose volunteerism improves the quality of life for fellow citizens and builds a stronger community.