It's Volunteer Week from June 1 and that means a chance to herald the often unseen heroes who do their bit in the communities of Wearside and County Durham.
Here is our retro tribute to a handful of volunteers who have featured in the pages of the Sunderland Echo in years gone by.
From clothing bank workers to animal charity champions, we've got them all.
Have a look and see if you can spot a hero from your neighbourhood.
From clothing bank workers to animal charity champions, we've got them all.