Blue Star Families and Starbucks brought together local nominees for the Blue Star Neighbor Award to celebrate their volunteer service which makes such a difference in military families' lives. The event took place at the Starbucks Military Family Store on South Tacoma Way last week.

The Blue Star Neighbor Award is annual and selection is made from nominees submitted by military families.  "Families nominate a neighbor who has made a difference in their lives. The neighbor has been a support system by mowing the lawn, providing a meal or welcoming them to the neighborhood," said Kate Oyer, Volunteer Recognition Coordinator for Blue Star Families. This year's winner will be announced March 22 at a celebration in Washington, D.C.

Starbucks provided support and a location for the event. "We have a partnership with Blue Star Families and are honored to provide the space and refreshments to support the event," said Amy Quesenberry, Starbucks district manager.

In addition to good neighbors receiving awards, Blue Star Families honored the "Children's Museum of Tacoma," for hosting family events at the museum. Alyssa Tongue and Brenda Morrison accepted the award for the museum.

"One of the biggest struggles military families face is difficulty connecting to their communities.  Blue Star Families provides tools to find that connection. Anyone can be a Blue Star Neighbor and support military families.  We hope to bridge the gap between military families and their neighbors," said Oyer.

Blue Star Families is now accepting nominations for the 2018 award. Military families can go to bluestarfam.org/bsnaward for more information.