Sangamon Sun

The Serve Illinois Commission is encouraging communities to apply for Governor’s Hometown Awards, a new program to recognize local projects.

The honors will complement the Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards, which recognize individuals who volunteer to improve their communities, according to a press release. 

The new awards are open to projects that were accomplished with volunteer involvement and ran between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2016. Townships, villages, cities and counties can submit applications for projects that drew upon local service, addressed area needs and accomplished lasting effects.

The Serve Illinois Commission is administered by the Illinois Department of Public Health and made up of 40 members appointed by the governor. It is a bipartisan group designed to promote volunteerism and hopes that the Hometown Awards will encourage further community service throughout the state.

Those interested in applying can find more information at www.Serve.Illinois.gov.