Do You Know a Children's Champion?

Do you know someone who makes a real difference in the lives of local children? For two more days you can nominate this person to be honored as a 2011 Meriden Children Champion.

, a local non-profit organization , will recognize two to three Children's Champions during its October 26 annual meeting and candidate debate.

"There are so many great people who do so much above and beyond for children. Everyday people who work with children or volunteer in some way to make their lives better," said Children First Director David Radcliffe, who started the award several years ago.

Honorees are broken up into two categories - those employed in the field of education, children or families, and those who volunteer with those groups.

Previous honorees include Don Maleto of the Boys and Girls Club, Kashia Cave from My City Kitchen, Diane Morra, who volunteers with children with special needs, and retired preschool teacher Virginia Alwang.

The nomination form is attached to this article in PDF and also HERE. It's a quick, easy form that requires only a minimum 100-word explanation of why your nominee should be recognized as a Children's Champ (See the form for other ways to nominate if writing's not your thing). Nominations are due to Children First on Friday, Sept. 16.

The announcement event will be held at John Barry Elementary School at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, October 26, 2011.