Published: May 06, 2008 02:07 pm            

Unsung Hero

Volunteer work has always felt right for Karen Luchtefeld. After quitting her job of 22 years as a dental hygienist, Luchtefeld put her extensive energy toward community support. She has participated in a variety of organizations from United Way to FISH.

To ask Luchtefeld about volunteer work and the commitment her duties hold, she says the work itself acts as the ultimate reward.

“To give and help others is great, but it also feels great yourself, knowing that you were able to help out,” said Luchtefeld.

It is this selfless attitude and tireless dedication that has earned Luchtefeld the Jefferson Award.

The Jefferson Award was started by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Sam Beard and Sen. Robert Taft more than 35 years ago and has become one of the most prestigious awards for volunteerism.

While recipients of the the national award include a who’s who of champions of charity, the award added local winners in 1977 and was dubbed “unsung heroes.”

Although the award is not usually given in the Effingham area, Luchtefeld became one of five people from central Illinois to win the award on April 17.

“This was a complete surprise. I was just speechless when I found out,” said Luchtefeld. “I don’t do this for the recognition, but this is great.”

“The requirements to win this award fit Karen perfectly,” said Bob Schultz, contact for the award committee. “It is her enthusiasm that makes her style of giving so amazing.”

With talk of accomplishments pushed to the wayside, Luchtefeld quickly got back to the heart of the issue.

“I feel grateful for this, but I hope that this can act as a thank-you to all the people that work so hard with me and, hopefully, bring more people to these causes,” said Luchtefeld. “A lot of public service programs are getting cut as the need for their services are on the rise.

“When I started here at FISH, we couldn’t imagine having 200 kids show up for our Christmas gift program,” said Luchtefeld. “Last year, we had 1,200.”

Solutions to the challenges of volunteerism reveal a wisdom and perspective Luchtefeld says are learned early in one’s volunteering career.

“It is all about the little things that one can do,” said Luchtefeld. “A senior that gets a visit and a hot meal that doesn’t have to go to assisted living; that small thing means everything.”

What does the future hold for this already busy volunteer? Hopefully, said the former Effingham County Board member, running for the board again will give her the ability to further help the community.

“Government work is done, hopefully, for the people,” said Luchtefeld. “It is also a more visible position to let people know all the hard work people are doing, and what still needs to be done.

“I just really want to thank my family for giving me the opportunity to fulfill this dream,” said Luchtefeld.

Tony Huffman can be reached at 217-347-7151 ext. 135 or tony.huffman@effinghamdailynews.com.