They’re the backbone of any charity without whom no good cause would be able to operate.

The work that they do helps to provide essential services and resources for their communities.

And all too often, their dedication and contribution go unnoticed by the public at large.

‘They’, of course, are volunteers, and celebrating them is one of the key aims of the Thanet Community Awards.

The deadline for awards entries is November 27 deadline, making them the perfect vehicle for celebrating the contribution of volunteers: eight days later on December 5 is International Volunteer Day.

But actually getting volunteers to step into the limelight is not always so easy.

Awards coordinator Karen Brinkman of the KM Charity Team said: “Generally speaking, volunteers are pretty self-effacing people.

“They don’t volunteer because they want fame or glory; they do it because they are passionate about a cause and for the benefit of others.

“So it is entirely predictable that volunteers aren’t going to nominate themselves, which puts the onus on the rest of us – the people who benefit from their selflessness, who enjoy the services and resources they provide, or whose organisations operate so much smoothly because of their involvement – to nominate them instead.”

The awards are organised by Westwood Cross, London Array, the Thanet Extra and the KM Charity Team.

Westwood Cross, London Array and the Thanet Extra will each present a cheque to a chosen charity for £2,000, and another £4,000 will be shared among three runner-up charities and three individual volunteer winners.

Mrs Brinkman appreciates that sometimes volunteers’ desire for anonymity should be respected, but adds: “I appreciate that some people may have a genuine concern about being singled out over other volunteers working alongside them, but would suggest that maybe joint entries for volunteer teams might be appropriate.

“I would also like to emphasise that volunteers provide another valuable role for charities and good causes. Apart from helping with the provision of actual services and resources, they – along with all charity staff – are the public face of good causes.

“Celebrating their contribution provides invaluable publicity for charities, and can emphasise that they are organisations open to and supported by people from across the community.”

Nominations can be submitted at thanetcommunityawards.co.uk.

To find out more, contact Karen Brinkman at the KM Charity Team on 0844 264 0291 or at kbrinkman@thekmgroup.co.uk.