Good as Gold Springfield Volunteer Awards

Chandana Nandi was nominated by the Asian Indian Women's Organization, Springfield for a Heart of Gold Award. Chandana’s public health background has shaped her volunteer work addressing poverty, access to resources, and social support. As AIWO President, Chandana led fundraising events benefiting Girls on the Run of Central Illinois and Wooden It Be Lovely. She regularly volunteers with Girls on the Run, Share the Spirit Foundation, and the Blind Foundation for India. Chandana also serves on the Illinois Innocence Project’s planning committee and provides nutrition counseling to patients referred by Springfield Clinic.

Nominated by the Animal Protective League, Heart of Gold Award recipient, Lexi Hezlep is dedicated to the Homeward Helper program, providing extended care for challenging dogs. She played a key role in creating the Kennel Enrichment Booklet, ensuring enrichment standards for staff and volunteers. Lexi also developed flyers and trading cards to increase adoptable dogs' visibility outside the shelter and actively promotes them via social media. Her passion, creativity, and hard work have made a lasting difference for the APL’s programs.

Joy Hayes, who was nominated by Girls on the Run of Central Illinois for a Heart of Gold Volunteer Award. Joy has served on the Light the Way committee since 2013, supporting the annual fundraiser that benefits local girls in the program. She consistently attends, secures silent auction donations, organizes sponsorships, and spreads awareness about Girls on the Run. Joy has also managed the balloon pop raffle each year, often handling orders and even covering costs herself.