Hometown Awards seeks applicanprogram

SPRINGFIELD - The Governor's Office of the Illinois Bicentennial and the Serve Illinois Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service (Serve Illinois) are now accepting applications for the Governor's Hometown Awards program.

The program gives formal recognition to those who contributed to their community's quality of life through projects that have strong volunteer support, meet a need, and make a definitive impact.

"Much of what has been born, built and grown in Illinois is thanks to community volunteers," said Gov. Bruce Rauner. "As we celebrate Illinois' bicentennial, it is important to recognize the strong communities and dedicated volunteers who have worked to make Illinois a great state."

Interested townships, villages, cities, and counties can apply through Aug. 1 for projects that use volunteers in their communities for the period of Jan. 1, 2017-Dec. 31, 2017. For additional information regarding program criteria and the application process, visit www.Serve.Illinois.gov.

The Serve Illinois Commission is a 40-member (25 voting and 15 nonvoting), bipartisan board appointed by the Governor and administered by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). Its mission is to improve Illinois communities by enhancing volunteerism and instilling an ethic of service throughout the State