ZELIENOPLE — If you ask borough manager Don Pepe how important volunteerism is in the community, he would say it is “at a very high premium.”

The borough council is seeking nominations for the third annual “Volunteer of the Year” award.

“We couldn’t survive without them (volunteers),” Pepe said. “There are a lot of people who volunteer and we’re greatly appreciative of them, which is why we started this (award).”

The deadline to submit nominations is Dec. 12.

Council is asking community groups, as well as the borough-appointed boards and commissions, for their nominations of individuals who served the Zelienople community to be considered for this award, according to the borough’s website.

“We’re looking for somebody who over the years who has risen to the top,” Pepe said. “In anything you do, there are people who rise to the top, people to be recognized for what they’ve done.”

Nomination forms and letters also can be found on the website at www.zelieboro.org. Pepe said about five volunteers have been nominated so far.

The winner will be recognized around the end of December.