‘Epitome of a volunteer’: Marseilles man’s legacy built on service
Readers celebrate the people who show up for the Sauk Valley, every single day
A free store for neighbors in need. A teacher her students still call Ms. Rhonda, decades later. Meet the Sauk Valley’s reader-nominated 2026 Everyday Heroes — as told by the people who love them.
Volunteer keeps Whiteside County’s 4-H tradition alive
When Gordon Kelm was a 4-H member of the Hume Happy Hustlers 4-H Club, there was a 4-H club in nearly every township in Whiteside County and throughout Illinois.
Dixon animal shelter launches program to keep homeless families with their pets
Many individuals and families without housing don’t see staying at a shelter as an option because they’ll be forced to give up their pet. Dixon’s Granny Rose Animal Shelter and PADS Homeless Shelter aim to remove that
CGH volunteer greets patients with ‘always a smile’
Lavita McKinzie believes she is receiving as many blessings from her volunteer work with CGH Auxiliary as she gives.
Helping hands in Dixon: Lions Club continues to make an impact
The non-profit is a member of Lions International, which aims to help children and adults with hearing and vision impairments. It started in 1936 as a group of downtown Dixon businessmen.
Volunteer work keeps Amboy retiree on the move
When Roger Wittenauer sat down to chat with firefighters from the Amboy and Sublette fire departments at an Amboy Fire Department Depot Days breakfast a few years ago, he mentioned he missed the fire service.
Saffell brings can-do spirit to Sterling schools’ PTO
When people comment to Beth Saffell about what the Jefferson/Lincoln PTO is doing or not doing, Saffell sees an opportunity.
From Knights of Columbus to Sinnissippi Centers, Dixon couple is driven by their faith to do good
Larry and Anne Prindaville of Dixon say their volunteer work stems from “our faith and our belief that we need to do good works for others.”
Teen Turf volunteer keeps her teacher voice loud and clear
Susan Tyrrell’s teacher voice still is loud and clear when she’s working with fifth grade students at Teen Turf in Amboy.