Most of us lead very busy lives. We work 40 hours a week and sometimes more. We spend time with our families, and we try to make sure we eat and sleep somewhere in between.

Volunteering in our communities is something all of us should do consistently, but many of us can argue that we simply don’t have the time to do it.

For Blooming Prairie’s Rick and Nancy Hansen, they make the time.

The couple was recognized last week as Blooming Prairie’s “Citizens of the Year” for 2008 and rightfully so. They volunteer enough for 12 people.

Rick is active with the local ambulance service and has been a volunteer fireman since 1991.

He was a member of the Jaycees for 17 years, and has been Jaycee of the Year, Director of the Year and president, and he received the prestigious Outstanding Young Minnesotan award in 1998.

He teaches CPR and First Aid classes and is also on the Lutheran Cemetery Board, all of this while owning his own trucking business.

Nancy is also active.

Nancy, along with Rick, is a greeter at First Lutheran Church. She also helps prepare communion and is the treasurer of the Blooming Prairie Friends of the Library. She was also treasurer of the chamber, as well as the director, vice president and the treasurer of Women of Today.

Rick and Nancy Hansen are the type of residents we all should be.

They lead very busy lives, but they still find the time to give back.

We should take their lead and do the same.