Don Grimes, Albion, IL GVSA Award Presentation

On Wednesday, May 22, 2024, Serve Illinois Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service Downstate Volunteer Programs Coordinator Tony Wanless paid a special visit to The Hope Center in Albion, Illinois. The Hope Center is a non-profit, Christian-based organization focusing on the ever-changing needs of Edwards and surrounding counties. This visit was to present Donny Grimes from Edwards County with the Governor’s Volunteer Service Award for Outstanding Senior Volunteer for the Southern Region (Region 5).

Don worked for Southern Railway for many years and later for Champion Laboratories in Albion. Don has always been a hard worker and very generous. He would give you anything he had if you needed something or help you get it. Since retirement, he has worked at The Hope Center, helping people with food, clothing, and household needs. In addition, he has provided transportation for people to appointments, the grocery store, or wherever they needed to go.

Don Grimes, his wife Rebecca, Steve Smith, Chaplain and Director of The Hope Center, Fisher Overstreet from Senator Terri Bryant/Representative Dave Severin’s office in Mount Vernon, and several other Hope Center volunteers were in attendance. After the award presentation, everyone went to Kay’s on Main in Albion for ice cream and to celebrate Don and his years of service to Albion and Edwards County.

Congratulations Don! We wish you all the best and hope you continue to spread your spirit of service to the community for years to come.