Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan seeking 'Angels' and Exemplary Senior Volunteers throughout state... Nominations can be made online at www.bcbsm.com  

DETROIT, March 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Do you know a few good "Angels" who are volunteering to positively impact the lives of Michigan's children? What about outstanding senior citizen volunteers working to improve the lives of Michigan's older adults?

If so, they may be eligible for two annual community service awards sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and its HMO affiliate Blue Care Network.

The eighth annual Caring for Children Angel Awards will honor exceptional volunteer work on behalf of Michigan youngsters. The 16th annual Claude Pepper Awards, presented by the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Senior Advisory Council, will honor two senior citizen advocates making a profound impact on the state's older adults.

Nomination forms and additional information on both awards programs are available on  http://www.bcbsm.com/community_service_awards  .

People also can make nominations by phoning 1-800-733-BLUE (2583) or writing to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Community Service Awards, Mail Code 0620, 600 E. Lafayette Blvd., Detroit, MI 48226. The nomination deadline for both awards this year is April 30.

  "All across the state, there are many people who make a difference in the lives of Michigan's children and senior citizens every day by devoting their time to work with nonprofit organizations. Both of these awards serve to honor them for their efforts," stated Diana Jones, vice president of Community Affairs at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.

A panel of community leaders from across the state will review the nominations and select five adult finalists and one adolescent to receive Angel Awards. From among the five adult finalists, judges will select a Grand Angel, who will receive a trophy and a $5,000 donation for her or his affiliated nonprofit organization.

The other four adult finalists and The Littlest Angel will each receive a trophy and a $1,000 donation for their charity.

The Senior Advisory Council Education Committee will review all Claude Pepper Award nominations and select the two finalists. The awards will be presented to one retiree and one actively employed person of any age. They will each receive $1,000 for their respective nonprofit organizations.

The Claude Pepper Awards, named for the late U.S. senator from Florida who was a lifelong activist for the nation's elderly, are presented to two individuals whose professional or volunteer efforts have made significant contributions to improving the lives of Michigan seniors, particularly those whose access to health care services may be hindered by physical, mental, financial or geographical limitations.

Senator Pepper was one of the principal sponsors of the Older Americans Act of 1965 and a major force in strengthening Social Security and Medicare.

Only nonprofit organizations with a tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service code are eligible for Angel Award and Claude Pepper Award donations. If the winners are associated with a non- qualifying program, a qualifying program related to his or her service may be designated.

The Claude Pepper Awards will be presented on Friday, Oct. 13 at the Bavarian Inn in Frankenmuth during the Senior Advisory Council annual conference. The Angel Awards will be presented at a ceremony on Friday, Nov. 10 in Detroit at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan's Bricktown Service Center.