Waldhoff, Deb's Recognized w/State Volunteer Service Awards

The Serve Illinois Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service (Commission), along with Governor Bruce Rauner and Illinois Department of Public Health Director Nirav D. Shah, will present 25 Illinoisans and five businesses with the Governor’s Volunteer Service Award during a special reception at the Old State Capitol on April 13, 2016 at 1 p.m. The award recognizes volunteers and volunteer programs that have made a difference in Illinois and highlights the importance of volunteerism and community service.

"These 30 awardees represent the work that more than 2.5 million Illinoisans do each year," said Commission Executive Director Scott McFarland. "The work these individuals and businesses do make the lives of thousands better through volunteer efforts including helping the homeless, youth education, and assisting veterans. We are honored to have the opportunity to highlight their service."

The Commission will present individual awards to one youth (18 years and under), one adult (19-54 years old), and one retiree/senior (55 years and older) in each of the Commission's five service regions across the state (Northeast, Northwest, East Central, West Central, and Southern). The Commission will present National Service Awards to one AmeriCorps member, one Senior Corps member, and one for-profit business in each of the five service regions. The Commission will give special priority within each category based on economic opportunity, education, environmental stewardship, disaster preparedness/response, health, and veterans and military families. This is the third year the Commission will present Business Volunteer Engagement Awards in each region.

This year the Commission will present awards to the oldest and youngest volunteers since the awards have been given. Recipients will include 91-year-old Bennie Mae Gavin for her work as a foster grandparent for disadvantaged youth and 7-year-old Kellon Oldenettel for his working gathering thousands of socks for the homeless.

There are two local recipients of the awards.

Jamie Waldhoff of Effingham was honored for service to Blessings in a Backpack, the organization that provides food items for children for weekends during the school year.

Deb's Catering of Effingham was honored for service to local area veterans. The firm provides food for various veterans recognition events.