Over the last several months, the staff of Leader Publications has been hard at work on Horizons, our annual compilation of stories about people and places that make our community such a special place to live.

This year’s edition — which goes to press next month — will focus specifically on the former, as we look to profile the faces who make up Michiana.

One our long standing features in the publication is Unsung Heroes, where we feature short profiles on people who, through their actions or personality, make a tremendous impact on their hometown — without receiving the praise they deserve in return.

Be they a volunteer, a paid employee or someone who tries their best to leave everyone with a smile, we all know a person who makes a positive impact without expecting thanks in return.

Perhaps they are the retiree who spends every Saturday helping serve food to the needy at the local soup kitchen.

Perhaps they are the president of a civic organization, who gives up a few hours of their free time every week to raise money for a worthy cause.

Perhaps they are the cashier at your favorite downtown shop, who always greets you with a smile and goes out of their way to make every visitor feel welcome.

To find these hidden gems, we will need your help.

Now through Jan. 27, we are asking readers to send us their nominations for Unsung Heroes.

The process is simple — just send your name, address and phone number, along with the name of the person you are nominating and your reasons for doing so. Do not sweat the length of your submission: simply list what your nominee does and what makes them such a special person.

Feel free to email your submissions to news@leaderpub.com or send your handwritten entries to our office, 217 N. Fourth St., Niles, MI 49120. You can also drop them off in person, at either our main office in Niles or our Dowagiac office, located inside the old ticket booth inside the train depot downtown.

We greatly appreciate the help — and we are sure your nominees will appreciate the moment in the spotlight, too.

Opinions expressed are those of the editorial board consisting of General Manager Ambrosia Neldon and community editors Ted Yoakum and Scott Novak.