By EDWARD HUSAR
Herald-Whig Staff Writer
Quincy, Camp Point, Coatsburg and Fowler are being recognized for community achievements through the 2009 Governor's Home Town Awards program.
Quincy earned a second-place prize in its population category for a volunteer sandbagging effort during the major flood along the Mississippi River in the spring of 2008. More than 8,000 volunteers filled an estimated 1.3 million sandbags during a spirited operation at the Oakley-Lindsay Center.
Rob Ebbing, executive director of the OLC, said the award is a tribute to the community's volunteer spirit during a time of need.
"Hats off to the public for coming out and giving like they always have," Ebbing said. "The city ran a fantastic operation. It was quite an effort. We hope we never have to do that particular project again."
Quincy Mayor John Spring said the state award is testimony to the spirit of regional cooperation that surfaced during the flood. He said many people from outside of Quincy came here to help fill sandbags, which were distributed to wherever they were needed in the flood zone.
"This is an award that we can share with everybody that helped us -- all 8,000 people and more," Spring said. "We couldn't have done it without them. I'm grateful to the community for responding."
Local organizations that participated in the flood-fighting effort were applauded at a press conference this morning at the OLC. On hand were officials from the city of Quincy, the United Way of Adams County, RSVP, the Salvation Army, the Adams County chapter of the American Red Cross and the OLC.
The village of Camp Point was a finalist for the "Governor's Cup" award -- the top prize in the statewide competition. The community was recognized for the Community for Christ Assistance Center, a not-for-profit effort.
The center, which opened in 2004, is operated by volunteers who run a thrift shop offering donated clothing and household items. The items are sold for reasonable prices and provided free to people who lose a home or their belongings in fires.
The center also provides a food pantry, and it gives assistance to help people pay their rent, utility bills and gasoline expenses.
Wanda Leenerts, former director of the center, said the organization gets support from 23 area churches. It also receives grants and financial support from local individuals.
"The community has been so great to come through with funding and food," she said. "It's been wonderful."
Coatsburg was recognized with a first-place prize for a playground project sponsored by the Coatsburg Lions Club. The club raised money to buy and install about $10,000 worth of playground equipment last fall next to the Coatsburg ball diamond.
"We've got a small club, but we work pretty hard," said Jim Hesse, a member of the Lions Club.
Hesse said club members were "real tickled" to learn the community received a state award for the campaign.
The Fowler Development Association won a second place award for a cleanup and beautification campaign in the community.
Sherry Sparks, association president, said cleanup campaign involved getting a series of large dumpsters so Fowler residents could throw away junk and other unwanted items. The effort was funded, in part, with the sale of cookbooks.
"We sold 400 cookbooks for town of 100, which we thought was pretty impressive," Sparks said.
The association was also honored for launching a local award program that recognizes local individuals for beautifying the community. Five beautification awards were issued in 2008, six in 2009.
"I salute the citizens across Illinois who dedicate their time and energy to improving their communities," Gov. Pat Quinn said. "The Governor's Home Town Awards are one small way we can recognize the contributions of these outstanding citizens."
-- ehusar@whig.com/221-3378
