Last December, almost nine months into a pandemic, we decided to launch Hometown Heroes as a way to profile just some of the many people in our community who lifted us up in ways big and small.

Those profiles included nurses, shop owners and employees, mask makers, fitness instructors and even a helicopter pilot. What made that effort different is that it started with you. Your nominations pointed us to the people we would ultimately write about.

This year, we’re once again asking you to help tell us about the people we otherwise may not know about. Maybe it’s a teacher or a health care worker. Perhaps it’s a longtime volunteer or a young person who deserves recognition. This is our way to honor the people who continue to show dedication and solve problems, pandemic-related and beyond.

Be on the lookout for the stories starting in mid-December.