Compassion, service in spotlight Tonight's Jefferson Awards ceremony will honor Capital Region volunteers By AZRA HAQQIE, Staff writer First published: Wednesday, April 6, 2005 Each year the Jefferson Awards recognize volunteers for serving their communities in helping the needy and supporting education, health care, ethnic awareness and the arts. The awards are sponsored nationally by the American Institute for Public Service, based in Wilmington, Del., and locally by St. Peter's Health Care Services, WNYT Ch. 13 and the Times Union. Below are profiles of seven of the 27 area nominees for the public service award who were selected to receive medallions. Mark Woods , Loudonville: Woods has been a volunteer for the AIDS Council of Northeastern New York since 1992. He began there by soliciting theaters to donate movie and show tickets for people with AIDS. He managed the AIDS buddy program at a time when being diagnosed with AIDS was practically a death sentence. He has served the council in a variety of capacities and has helped raise nearly $100,000 for people affected by HIV/AIDS in crisis situations. Woods is an informal "big brother" to people struggling to survive in the community, a longtime volunteer Employee Assistance Program Coordinator at the state Department of Transportation where he helps fellow workers find community resources to support them in times of need. His gentle nature, trustworthiness and compassion have earned him a place in the hearts of many people.