Y ou need not look skyward to see Solano County's shining stars. They are all around us, making our world a brighter better place by their contributions big and small.

They are the volunteers who offer random acts of kindness in all that they do.

They pick up prescriptions, care for wounded animals and deliver meals for the elderly. They cook meals at the homeless shelter, raise money for important programs and put their hearts into museums, libraries, churches and more.

The Reporter's Solano Shines project called upon the community to nominate its best and brightest. An online nomination form will be posted through September 2008, so nominations can continue to be made throughout the year. We hope you enjoy our stories of dozens of shining stars, and we hope you'll help us grow our list and honor those who make our communities so special.