PORTSMOUTH — The United Way is shining a spotlight on local residents and nonprofits working to strengthen their communities.

The organization’s new Rhode Island Hope Award will be presented annually to outstanding nonprofits and volunteers whose service has made a significant impact across the state.

This year’s Portsmouth honorees are local historian Gloria Schmidt, Conley Zani of Common Fence Point, and the Aquidneck Food Pantry.

To select recipients, United Way asked state legislators to nominate volunteers and organizations from their districts. Awards were presented recently during a State House ceremony attended by numerous lawmakers, as well as U.S. Reps. Seth Magaziner and Gabe Amo and Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore.

State Sen. Linda Ujifusa, D-Dist. 11 (Portsmouth, Bri

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