Jean McManus of Eunice is among the 62 Louisianians nominated for the 2009 Angel Award sponsored by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana.

McManus founded the first Dolly Parton Imagination Library in the state in Eunice. The Library gives area children five-years-old and younger a free book each month. Surpassing expectations, McManus signed up 700 pre-school children in the first year.

Celebrating its 15th anniversary this year, the Angel Award program honors volunteers who do outstanding work on behalf of Louisiana’s children.

To date, the annual program has resulted in statewide recognition and more than $900,000 in grants to more than 100 honorees’ charitable causes.

This year, a panel of past honorees will choose eight Louisiana Angels from among the nominations. Each of the eight will receive a $20,000 grant for his or her charitable organization from the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation.