Volunteer Alexandria held its 23rd Annual Volunteers Are The Heart of Alexandria ceremony Oct. 19, recognizing individuals in the community for their dedication and service to the City of Alexandria.

“These volunteers have gone above and beyond in their service to the community, said Volunteer Alexandria executive director Marion Brunken. “They truly are the heart of Alexandria.”

Receiving awards were: Julie Jakopic, president of iLead Strategies — the Marian Van Landingham Lifetime Achievement Award; Eleanor Lindeman and Donna Reuss — the Grass Roots Volunteer Service Award; members of the Bryce Project — the Youth Volunteer Service Award; and Denise Mackie-Smith — the RSVP Northern Virginia Service Award.

The awards ceremony was held at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office with Alexandria Mayor Allison Silberberg and state Sen. Adam Ebbin on hand to congratulate the honorees. For more information, visit www.volunteeralexandria.org.