These unsung stars are the people who deserve the credit for their outstanding contributions to everything from running charity shops to organising Christmas dinners.
It’s an apt time to put the world’s unpaid army in the spotlight as it will be International Volunteers Day on December 5.
It is a chance to celebrate volunteers and the organisations that they work for.
In the meantime, let’s celebrate the heroes closer to home with these 9 archive reminders of the work they do.
It is a chance to celebrate volunteers and the organisations that they work for.
5. Helping the heroes
Outstanding. That's former Hartlepool poppy seller Doreen Mee (right) pictured with co-ordinator for the town, Sian Cameron in this scene from 2012 when Doreen return to help volunteer.
Photo: TY
6. Such loyalty from Linda
Despite her age, octogenarian Linda Hope was still volunteering one day a week in the Barnardos charity shop in York Road in 2012.
Photo: TY
7. Helping the environment
These volunteers were doing sterling work in the countryside. Jo Collins (right) from friends of Teesmouth, Seaton Dunes and Common can be seen with fellow members and volunteers as they set about removing rushes from a watercourse. Remember this from 2012?
Photo: FRANK REID