Lavanda Joergens is Volunteer of Year

(LAVANDA JOERGENS RECEIVES HER VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD FROM EFFINGHAM COUNTY CHAMBER PRESIDENT NORMA LANSING)

Lavanda Joergens of Dieterich was recognized as  the 2015 Effingham County Volunteer of the Year at the Effingham County Chamber of Commerce Business Recognition Gala Saturday night.

Joergens, who has spent nearly 60 years as a 4-H Leader and over 40 years as a member of the Effingham County Home Extension Club, was nominated for the award by the University of Illinois Extension Center County Director Carl Baker. 

In addition to her active involvement with youth as a 4-H leader, Mrs. Joergens also delivers Meals on Wheels, teaches Bible lessons to the handicapped, makes quilts for world relief and creates Braille books for the blind.   She became a volunteer when she was a young mother with three small children and helped to create the Sunshine Pals 4-H Club.  Her outstanding dedication has also been recognized with her induction into the 4-H Hall of Fame.

In his nominating letter, Carl Baker wrote, “Still today, at 83 years old, Lavanda volunteers, not for the accolades or for selfish reasons, but to make a difference, touch a life or to instill in others a sense of community.  Volunteers like her come along once in a lifetime.”

The Effingham County Volunteer of the Year Program was introduced in 2014 to recognize people who voluntarily give their time and talent to improve the community and who exhibit selfless commitment to our community via volunteer efforts that made a difference in others’ lives.  Recipients can be an individual, couple, family or group.