Colorado Springs, Colorado (NAPSI) - When it comes to giving back to the community, there are many people, professionals and volunteers, who work hard to make a difference in the lives of others.

You could be among them. Here’s a look at a few of the things you may choose to do to show you care about the world around you:

• Volunteer: Whether you’re the sociable sort who’d love to serve in a soup kitchen or cheer up the elderly in a nursing home, a professional prepared to mentor at-risk youth or the bookish type who’d be happy recording textbooks for blind students, there are all sorts of opportunities out there for giving of your time and expertise. There are even organizations such as www.volunteermatch.org that will find nearby places where you may care to volunteer.

• Donate: You can send money to a cause you care about—but you can also do even more. You can donate your old clothes, your car or boat to a variety of charities. Also, sign up to become an organ donor at www.organdonor.gov/register.

• Participate: The next time a nearby school, church or fraternal organization is having a bake sale, fundraiser or fair, join in the fun and provide some funds.

• Nominate: A variety of groups ask the general public for the names and good deeds of people to be honored. For example, Maytag brand and Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) host the Maytag Dependable Leader Awards.

The Awards recognize and celebrate Boys & Girls Club professionals and volunteers who are committed, exceptional role models, dedicated to keeping youth on the path to achieve great futures.

Recently, Maytag brand and BGCA launched the 2013 Maytag Dependable Leader Awards—America’s Vote competition in which people across the U.S. were invited to select one of five finalists to receive the final 2013 Maytag Dependable Leader Award by voting online.

The winner of America’s Vote is Ethan Harris, club member at the Boys & Girls Club of Bryant, Ark. From assisting staff members to speaking to the Board of Community Directors, Harris constantly seeks to pitch in and make improvements to his Club. Through the “It Just Takes One” campaign, Harris raised over $1,000 for his Club through an event he organized on his own.

Harris joins 24 other Dependable Leaders across the country also honored this year. He will receive a one-time grant of $20,000, which he’ll use to help his Club continue to support youth in achieving great futures.

The Maytag Dependable Leader Award is a national partnership between Maytag brand and BGCA, recognizing exemplary Club professionals and volunteers from across the country.

Learn More

Further facts are at www.bgca.org/facebook, www.bgca.org/twitter and www.maytag.com.