Carbondale Reporter

In a May 1 Facebook post, Rep. David Friess congratulated volunteer Violette Nast on winning the Governor’s Volunteer Service Award in their senior category.

These awards—granted to one youth, one adult and one senior each year—put the spotlight on individual volunteers to highlight the importance of volunteerism and community service across Illinois, according to the Illinois Department of Human Services.

“It is with great pleasure that we congratulate Violette Nast on her exceptional accomplishment," Friess wrote in his Facebook post. "We are grateful for her continued work in our community. Volunteers, like her make a bigger impact than any of us, realize, so I’m honored for the opportunity to recognize her today. In retirement, her effort to continue to serve is obvious in every stride she takes. I have yet to see her turn someone down in need of a helping hand. Violette Nast is a true inspiration and we congratulate her on this well-deserved award.”

Friess is a resident of Red Bud, Ill., and has lived in Illinois for most of his life. He was an aircraft mechanic in the Air Force, and later for Delta Airlines in Atlanta, Georgia. He represents the people of the 115th District.

This is not the first time that Nast has won the Governor's Volunteer Service Award. She also won last year. When congratulating her in September 2022, Friess noted that one of her "recent acts of service included helping to bake 175 pies for the mission fund at St. Paul’s United Church."

"Even though she is confined to a wheelchair, she doesn't let that stop her from serving others. She has centered her life on giving in any way she can. Her selfless devotion has earned her this award," the post reads.

Nast was chosen from over 60 other nominees this year based on her work in Monroe County with Hospice, Monroe-Randolph County Transit and St. Paul United Church of Christ in Columbia. According to the post, Nast has spent her life in service with a life goal of making sure no one feels alone when faced with a challenge. 

"She has never let her disability stand in the way of helping others. Her purpose in life remains giving," the post adds. 

The Governor’s Volunteer Service Award is awarded by the Serve Illinois Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service alongside the Governor’s Office.