Bolingbrook Mother, Daughter Recognized By Forest Preserve

BOLINGBROOK, IL — A Bolingbrook mother and daughter were recognized by the Forest Preserve District of Will County for their volunteerism, according to a news release.

At the preserve's annual volunteer banquet, Danielle Wright-Hantak and Bailey Hantak were given the outstanding family award. According to the preserve, the mother and daughter duo care for the animals, including applying medicine and weighing animals, at Hidden Oaks Nature Center.

"They are not afraid to ask questions and are so efficient at their assignment they often have extra time to work on other projects," the preserve said in a release. "Multiple times they have helped prep crafts and activities, too."

The volunteer banquet celebrated 39 years of the District’s formal volunteer program and the many volunteers who surpassed their assignments in 2022.

“The District could not continue to work towards its mission without volunteers,” Emily Kenny, the Forest Preserve’s volunteer supervisor, said in a release. “Their smiles, kindness and positivity are contagious. And it is evident that they enjoy spending time with the Forest Preserve.”

Forest Preserve Board President Meta Mueller thanked the volunteers for contributing almost 12,000 hours of their time and talent in 2022, which equates to more than $350,000 in value.

“Tonight’s banquet and recognition event is a small token of appreciation for the love, passion, dedication and selflessness that you’ve shown us over the past year,” Mueller said.