Two Local Recipients Wednesday of State Volunteerism Awards

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

Two of the East Central Illinois recipients are local.

Jamie Waldhoff of Effingham is a recipient for her pioneering work with the Effingham Blessings in a Backpack effort. Blessings in a Backpack works to provide food to students on the weekends by preparing backpacks full of easy-to-make food items that are then taken home by the kids.

Deb's Catering of Altamont is a recipient for their service to local area veterans, including providing meals for Veterans Day recognition ceremonies.

This year, the Commission will present awards to the oldest and youngest volunteers since the awards have been given. Recipients will include a 91-year-old woman for her work as a foster grandparent for disadvantaged youth and a seven-year-old boy for his work gathering thousands of socks for the homeless.