IDHS Commends Illinois' 2.7 Million Volunteers

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois – The Illinois Department of Human Service’s Serve Illinois Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service (Serve Illinois) today thanked the 2.7 million Illinoisans that made a difference through volunteerism last year. 

“I am heartened to see that so many Illinoisans give back to their communities and help improve the lives of others.  By engaging volunteers in meaningful opportunities, we improve and empower the lives of our fellow citizens and greatly strengthen our state,” said Ted Gibbs, Executive Director, Serve Illinois.  “Serve Illinois is committed to expanding the number of Illinoisans that volunteer even further.” 

The Volunteering in America report, recently released by the federal Corporation for National and Community Service, showed that Illinois residents volunteered 378.5 million hours of service through non-profits and community organizations in 2010.  The findings show that nearly 30 percent of Illinois residents donated their time and gave the equivalent of $8.46 billion in services.  Additionally, the newly released Civic Life in America report shows that a majority of Illinoisans (51.4 %) donated at least $25 to charity.  The Volunteering in America report can be found at www.volunteeringinamerica.gov and the Civic Life in America report can be found at www.civic.serve.gov. 

The Serve Illinois Commission is a 25-35 member, bi-partisan board appointed by the Governor.  Its mission is to improve Illinois communities by enhancing traditional volunteer activities and supporting national service programs. The Commission is accomplishing this mission through the support of local community-based efforts to enhance volunteer opportunities and the administration of Illinois' AmeriCorps program. 

To find a volunteer opportunity, or to learn more about the Serve Illinois Commission and volunteerism in Illinois, visit www.Serve.Illinois.gov.