Violette Nast with her service animal. | repfriess.com
Violette Nast with her service animal. | repfriess.com
The Serve Illinois Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service (Commission) honored 22 Illinoisans for their individual volunteering efforts.
One of them is volunteer Violette Nast.
“We are grateful for her continued work in our community,” Representative David Friess said on his website. “Volunteers like her make a bigger impact than any of us realize, so I’m honored for the opportunity to recognize her.”
The deadline to apply for the award was Aug. 31.
“Illinois is fortunate to have thousands of volunteers who unselfishly donate their time and talents to help others,” Michelle Saddler, Illinois Department of Human Services secretary, said. “These awards allow us the opportunity to thank and honor those people that have made a positive change in our communities.”
To learn more about the awards, email Jacob Jenkins, the commission’s volunteer programs coordinator, at jacob.jenkins2@illinois.gov or dhs.serveillinois@illinois.gov.
Nast was chosen from over 60 other nominees this year based on her work in Monroe County with Hospice, Monroe-Randolph County Transit, and St. Paul United Church of Christ in Columbia. Even though she is confined to a wheelchair, she doesn’t let that stop her from serving others. She has centered her life on giving in any way she can. This selfless devotion has earned her this award. One of her recent acts of service included helping to bake 175 pies for the mission fund at St. Paul’s United Church.
“This recognition highlights some of the great volunteerism efforts around the state, as well as recognizes businesses that support volunteer efforts,” Ayoka Samuels, executive director for the commission, said in a release. “These honorees truly embody the spirit of service. Hosting this event is truly an honor because we understand that volunteerism is a key part of the quality of life equation for Illinoisans.”
Serve Illinois sought the nominations of three individuals in three age groups to receive the Governor's Volunteer Service Awards. These awards recognize the importance of volunteerism and community service in the state, in each of the commission's five service areas. The three categories were: youth (18 and under), adult (19-54 years old) and retiree/senior (55 years of age and older)
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