Each year, CNN honors ordinary people who do extraordinary things in an effort to change the world.

These people aren’t celebrities using their social status to influence change; they are simply passionate people who see a particular need and strive to fill that need.

Some of this year’s Top 10 CNN Heroes, announced Tuesday, are a doctor who takes children to ballgames, a woman who helps grieving children cope with death, a fitness trainer who helps the disabled rehabilitate and a cowgirl who uses her horses to motivate at-risk children.

This year’s Hero of the Year is Pen Farthing, a Royal Marine sergeant who founded a nonprofit that reunites soldiers at home with stray dogs and cats they took in during combat.

Each of CNN’s Heroes will receive $25,000 toward their causes; Farthing will receive $100,000.

While that money will surely go a long way in forwarding these folks’ efforts, the kind of people who dedicate their own time to helping others are not in it for the money.

The same is certainly true for the dozens and dozens of volunteers right here in the Lawrence County who get little to no recognition for all the things they do, whether it be picking up litter, visiting nursing centers or tutoring a child.

Although sometimes rarely seen, volunteers are a vital part of our community and should be treated as such.

We encourage everyone in the community give of his or her time in some way, even if it is just for a few hours each week. And remember to show your appreciation to those who are fighting to make the community a better place.