His passion for the cause spurs considerable staff participation. The paper both co-sponsors the event and encourages staffers to walk. Between 75 and 100 children were brought up to date on their immunizations. The Daily News Journal in Murfreesboro, Tenn., provides community-service awards to outstanding community volunteers every year. An independent panel of judges votes on a Humanitarian of the Year and four lifetime-achievement honoree.
Winners get an award custom-designed by a local artist.
The program has honored more than 150 volunteers in the last five years and increased volunteerism in the community. Since the program began in 1996, the paper has hosted more than 500 nonprofit Web sites. Staffers who attend community meetings distribute fliers about the Web service, and the Star-Telegram publishes a club directory that promotes the program. Many volunteers regularly thank the newspaper for helping their groups grow and improve. Copyright 1999, Newspaper Association of America.