Iowa State students and staff who volunteer their time and services to their community may soon be rewarded for their efforts.

JC Penney of North Grand Mall is accepting nominations for its Golden Rule Awards, a portion of the recognition program launched by the company in conjunction with the Volunteer Center of Story County.

Mike Anderson, manager of the store, said award winners will be presented with a crystal flame and a $1,000 grant to their non-profit organization. Top winners will then become eligible for the National Golden Rule Awards, which include a specially created crystal award and a $10,000 contribution to each winner’s organization.

The purpose of the Golden Rule Awards is to encourage and support volunteer efforts for the community, a value of which JC Penney was built upon, Anderson said.

The tradition of community service, he said, has been embedded in the company’s standards since it was founded in 1902, and that “these awards continue that tradition.”

“Our company is in a unique position to encourage and support volunteerism,” he said. “We hope this program will encourage [people] to become involved in the communities where they live and work and to continue and expand their volunteer efforts.”

He noted the awards are fair game, but ISU is especially significant because it represents a large section of the Ames population.

Nomination forms for the Golden Rule Awards are available at the Volunteer Center of Story County, area non-profit organizations, local schools and the Catalog Desks of JC Penney stores. The deadline is March 5.

Winners will be announced April 15.