The American Red Cross of Southern Maine is seeking nominations for its annual Real Heroes awards.

An advisory committee of community leaders will select the winners and the awards will be presented at a breakfast on Thursday, April 12.

The Real Heroes awards recognize individuals or groups that have demonstrated courage, kindness and unselfish character in service to others, including true acts of heroism.

Nomination forms are available online at www.southernmaine.redcross.org, or by contacting Kristina Smalley at 874-1192, ext. 108.

Nominees must meet certain criteria to be eligible. The nominee must be a resident of, or employed in, Cumberland or York counties and must have performed the nominated heroic act between Jan. 1, 2006 and Jan. 1, 2007.

The award categories are as follows.

• Public Safety – city, county, state, military, law enforcement or firefighters.

• Life Saving – individuals, hospitals, ambulance companies, clinics or rescue workers.

• Community Service – individual or group at least 21.

• Youth Community Service – group or individual under 21.

• Military Award – member of the Armed Forces

• Animal Rescue – person saved animal or an animal saved a person.

• Education – any school district or community education organization in Southern Maine.

• Workplace Safety – company or organization.

• International Service – any group or individual.

• Medical Provider or Outreach – any group or individual

• Environmental Service or Outreach – any group or individual

The American Red Cross is where people mobilize to help their neighbors in emergencies – across the street, across the country and around the world. The Red Cross is not a government agency. It relies on donations of time, money and blood to do its work. For more information call 874-1192, or go online to www.southernmaine.redcross.org.