Beaufort County Police Activities League is enlisting the community’s help to shine light on the positive work of local law enforcement and first responders this year.

The organization will award nominees for acts of kindness at its sixth-annual Dinner Dance fundraiser, slated for Oct. 14.

BCPAL President Al Powell said he is asking the community for assistance in recognizing those who have gone above and beyond the call of duty. He said the particular act of kindness doesn’t matter — as long as it happened in Beaufort County.

“An act of kindness is an act of kindness no matter how big or small,” Powell said.

He said the award is to honor those who offered assistance when technically they did not have to.

“This is not geared to reward first responders for doing their job. This program is to award exceptional acts of kindness, for showing it when they didn’t have to,” Powell said.

Powell said in previous years, the awards ceremony at the Dinner Dance was the most emotional part of the event. He said this award tries to combat negative views of law enforcement, which can lead to the violent acts against police occurring around the country.

“A lot of the families of first responders are quite aware of the mixed attitudes. … Sometimes, they’re in harm’s way just sitting in their cars,” Powell said.

Powell said the award is designed to promote a positive relationship between police personnel and the community.

“It demonstrates that the community tolerates professionalism and acts of kindness. Having this proactive environment, should an incident occur, compromise would prevail because there is an environment of trust and understanding,” Powell said.

The Dinner Dance is the largest fundraiser BCPAL holds each year, and it aims to teach the community about the organization, which works to improve the quality of life for children in the area, according to Powell. The fundraiser will also go toward construction on the Aviation, Technology and Fitness Center on Airport Road.

“This Dinner Dance holds a special importance. It will be a positive step. Every penny we make goes towards the construction of our building or programs for the youth,” Powell said.

Tickets are $40 and can be purchased at the Washington-Beaufort County Chamber of Commerce, Frank’s Pizza, First Bank (Washington branch) or from any BCPAL member. The Main Event Band will perform at the event, and WNCT meteorologist Dontae Jones will emcee.

BCPAL’s sixth-annual Dinner Dance will be held at the Washington Yacht & Country Club from 5:30-9:30 p.m. on Oct. 14.