SPRINGFIELD – In honor of National Volunteer Week, the Serve Illinois Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service (Commission) will present 24 Illinoisans and four businesses with the Governor’s Volunteer Service Award during a special reception at the Old State Capitol on April 25, 2017 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. Governor Bruce Rauner has proclaimed April 23-29, 2017 as National Volunteer Week in Illinois.  Several from our listening area were recognized. Recognized as a senior recipient is Ernest J. Collins of Mt. Vernon was recognized for service to the American Legion Post #141 in Mt. Vernon. Recognized as a Senior Corps member was Sharon Kossman of Swansea was recognized for service to Southwestern Illinois College Senior Companion Program. Recognized as a youth award recipient is Jha’Shaira Farmer of East St. Louis was recognized for service to East Side Aligned. Recognized as business recipients were Martin’s IGA Plus in Effingham was recognized for service to organizations in Effingham County and Zimdars Air Conditioning and Heating in Louisville were recognized for services to Meals On Wheels of CEFS. Nearly 200 nominations were received by the Commission in six categories (adult, AmeriCorps, business, senior, Senior Corps, and youth) from the Commission’s five service regions across the state (Northeast, Northwest, East Central, West Central, and Southern). Commissioners reviewed the nomination applications and selected 28 award winners. More information about each recipient is available at www.Serve.Illinois.gov.