Ill. EMT, Others Honored for Volunteer Efforts
April 13--A Jacksonville boy who is among three west-central Illinois people and one business being honored today with the Governor's Volunteer Service Award will become the youngest recipient of the recognition.
Twenty-five Illinois residents and five business will be presented with the award during a ceremony at the Old State Capitol in Springfield.
Seven-year-old Kellon Oldenettel, who collected thousands of socks for homeless individuals, is the youngest person to receive the award since its inception, according to the group Serve Illinois. The oldest person to ever receive the honor, 91-year-old Bennie Mae Gavin, will also be recognized. He is a foster grandparent who works with disadvantaged youths.
Other recipients from the region include:
-- Abby Hilsabeck of Jacksonville, a member of AmeriCorps, who is being honored for her work with Big Brothers Big Sisters of West Central Illinois.
-- Stephen Lakin of Murrayville, who will receive the award for his service on the Murrayville-Woodson Emergency Ambulance Service.
Mount Sterling IGA will be given the award because of its work in Brown County.
The awards were created to recognize 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 2.51 million Illinoisans do each year," said Scott McFarland, executive director of Serve Illinois. "The work these individuals and businesses do make the lives of thousands better through volunteer efforts including helping the homeless, youth education and assisting needy veterans. We are honored to have the opportunity to highlight their service."
The awards focus on five areas: economic opportunity, education, environmental conservation, disaster preparedness/response, health and veterans' affairs.
Gov. Bruce Rauner and Nirav Shah, director of the Illinois Department of Public Health, will be attending the event.
Copyright 2016 - Jacksonville Journal-Courier, Ill.
