Despite demanding schoolwork and extracurricular activities, nearly one-third of youth ages 8 to 18 volunteer year-round, according to a recent study conducted with 1,000 parents in the U.S. with at least one volunteering child; another 28 percent of children ramp up their volunteer activities during the holiday season and summertime.

To encourage and honor these youth volunteers, the makers of Angel Soft toilet paper and Jennie Garth, star of the WB series "What I Like About You," are launching the seventh annual Angel Soft Angels in Action Awards Program. The program is all about getting young people inspired and active in their communities.

"As a mother of two," said Garth, "I want my children to grow up to be caring and communityconscious people, and I think it's so important for kids and families to participate in service." Teachers, parents, guardians and friends are invited to submit nominations to honor ordinary kids who are doing extraordinary things to help improve their communities. One outstanding child or teen will be awarded $15,000 for "Program of the Year" in 2006, with a dozen other youngsters receiving cash and additional prizes.

To nominate an Angel in Action, log on to www.angelsoft.com before Oct. 1.

This story provided by North American Precis Syndicate.