Those who can, do. Those who can do more, volunteer.

In this, the fifth year of our annual Classic Woman Awards, the recession finds America's volunteers--many of them our readers--doing more. Much more. The quandary of having to serve more people in deeper need with fewer resources merely strengthens their resolve to work harder, smarter, longer, and more creatively. As the Chinese proverb puts it, "Those who say it cannot be done should not interrupt the person doing it."

It is our privilege to introduce to you the six phenomenal classic women we're honoring this year. They are making a tremendous difference in their communities by creating safe and beautiful spaces for the disadvantaged, keeping foster siblings together, providing fashionable clothes and school supplies for needy children, renovating a performing arts hall in a transitional neighborhood and sharing with disabled children the joy of dance, and comforting the grief-stricken.

Our honorees would be the first to tell you that they accept their awards on behalf of a legion of like-minded women throughout our country who don't care if their contributions are tax-deductible, for what they give is their heart.

Photographs: George Lange
Text: Rebecca Christian

The Classic Woman Awards are produced by Executive Editor Marsha Raisch.