A Jacksonville man is being honored with the third Blue Diamond Community Service Award for his volunteer work in the community.
Kevin Eckhoff of Jacksonville was named the award’s recipient Monday by First National Bank of Arenzville President Kai Schnitker.
The award was created to recognize outstanding volunteers in the bank’s service area and their work throughout the year.
Eckhoff is a volunteer with Salem Lutheran Church and several community boards. He has worked as a volunteer audio engineer for the church for more than 30 years. Eckhoff sits on the board of directors for the Jacksonville Public Library, Pathway Services Unlimited and Presbyterian Daycare. He has served on the library board for more than 20 years.
In addition, Eckhoff has acted as race director for the Passavant-Gatorade 5/10K Race for the past 24 years and recently took on co-chairman duties for the South Jacksonville Celebration and Concert in the Cornfield. He also volunteers at high school cross country meets and assists with food distribution when the Central Illinois Food Bank holds distribution days in Jacksonville.
Eckhoff is communications coordinator for Passavant Area Hospital.
First National Bank Vice President Kevin Heitz said this year saw more nominations for the award than ever before.
“We’re excited to see community support growing for this recognition. We received nominations for some very deserving volunteers this year and final selections were difficult. Once our votes were tallied, Mr. Eckhoff’s contributions really seemed to stand out,” Heitz said.
Eckhoff was presented with a commemorative award statuette and his name will be placed on an annually updated plaque at First National Bank of Arenzville.
Schnitker said he hopes to see interest about the recognition continue to grow.
“We know that no one who is doing volunteer work is actively seeking an award. That’s what makes this so enjoyable … we get to shine a spotlight on great service and the people getting this recognition are sometimes almost surprised to be noticed,” he said. “We look forward to celebrating volunteers and the work they are doing throughout our area for many years to come.”
