Milton Piedra takes the loneliness out of dying; Beulah Meier looks after forgotten veterans' needs; Richard Dillman helps inner-city kids find hope through nature.

These volunteers, along with Jordi Albornoz, Debbie Bondonzi, Marisa Key and Herminia Sarzo, are Dade County's 1997 JCPenney Golden Rule volunteers. "The purpose of the awards is to thank these people for putting their own time and energy into making this a better world," said Marilyn Rams, vice president of Dade's National Volunteer Week Committee, an awards sponsor. "These people are treasures in our community."

Seven winners were chosen from 78 nominees. Winners got a crystal sculpture and a $1,000 contribution to the nonprofit service organization of choice.

These 10 other finalists were honored and $250 donations sent to their nonprofit choices: Marjory Stoneman Douglas, Cecilio Lim, Dan McCrea, Dr. Linda Maracinni, Louise Merzier, Elaine Plummer, ARISE Foundation; Metro-Dade Police Department, Doral District and Community Policing Bureau; WLRN Radio Reading Service Volunteer Readers; and Way to Happiness Club.

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