MT. VERNON — Local volunteers received recognition from the Governor’s office Wednesday when the Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service presented members of Angels on Assignment in Jefferson County with Governor Certificates of Appreciation.

According to Cecilia Maciel Martinez Volunteer Programs Coordinator with Serve Illinois, it is one of the highest honors an Illinois resident can receive for volunteerism and service.

State Senator Terri Bryant and State Representative Dave Severin joined the event honoring the many volunteers at the Mt. Vernon City Hall.

Sen. Bryant commended the AoA organization for their hard work and dedication, commenting on the kindness and cleanliness of their facilities.

Angels on Assignment operates 100 percent on volunteer manpower and is 100 percent financed through donations. It’s in place to help Jefferson County residents who find themselves in need of assistance with food, finances, clothing, or household goods.
Mt. Vernon Mayor John Lewis was among the dignitaries present Wednesday to honor the AoA volunteers.

He called the group the “premiere agency in Mt. Vernon for helping people.”

Presented continuously from 1983 to 2014 and then 2017 to present, the Governor’s Hometown Awards (GHTA) program gives formal recognition to those who contributed to projects that improved their community’s quality of life.

These awards recognize individual volunteers through a statewide award program to highlight the importance of volunteerism and community service in the State of Illinois.