Local Teen Named Semifinalist in National Hero Award Program for Donating Books to At-Risk Kids

Thirteen-year-old Cody Gallagher from Fairmont, W.Va. is one of 10 top hometown youth heroes from across the country being recognized in the 6th Annual Volvo for life Awards. Gallagher is a semifinalist in Volvo's national search for, and celebration of, hometown heroes and with enough votes, he could be in the running to win up to a $25,000 charitable contribution.

This year, Volvo selected 10 heroes from thousands of nominations in the categories of Safety, Quality of Life, Environment and the Butterfly Award, Volvo's youth category created in memory of Volvo for life Award winner, Alexandra Scott. Gallagher has been selected as a top 10 youth hero, and the American public is invited to learn more about all 40 heroes and vote for their favorites at http://www.volvoforlifeawards.com now until Jan. 7, 2008.

While many teens spend their evenings playing video games and watching television, Cody Gallagher spends his time helping others read. Understanding the importance of reading in a child's development, Gallagher collects books for at-risk and underprivileged youth through community drives, donations and any avenue available to him. To date, he has collected a total of 3,050 books for children in shelters, hospitals, day care facilities and youth centers. But for Gallagher, delivering books is only part of his mission. He participates in multiple literacy programs and often reads to children at day care centers in his community to further promote reading.

Since 2002, Volvo Cars of North America has identified more than 18,000 everyday heroes in its annual Volvo for life Awards, and has contributed millions of dollars to their causes.

"Our youth heroes are particularly inspiring because they show that no matter what age you are, you can make a very big difference," said Anne Belec, president and chief executive officer of Volvo Cars of North America. "We're thrilled that the Butterfly Award has its own category this year, and encourage the public to visit http://www.volvoforlifeawards.com to learn more about these ten incredible kids and what they're doing to make the world a better place. And of course, support the heroes with their vote."

When the voting period ends January 7, 2008, a panel of distinguished judges will select one winner in each of the four categories. This year, Volvo doubled the charitable donation amount given to the top three winners in the categories of Safety, Quality of Life and Environment. Each will receive $100,000 for their charities; two runners-up in each category will receive $25,000. A grand award winner, selected from the Safety, Quality of Life and Environment categories, will be named "America's Greatest Hometown Hero" and presented with a new Volvo car every three years for the rest of his or her life at the annual Volvo for life Awards Ceremony in New York City, March 19, 2008.

The Butterfly Award winner will receive a charitable contribution of $25,000, two runners up will receive $10,000.

To learn more, or to vote for your favorite hero, visit http://www.volvoforlifeawards.com. A Spanish version of the site can also be accessed at this address.