Neighbor News
Village of Arlington Heights Senior Citizens Commission Honors Al and Donna Kunz with 2025 Dr. Kenneth Hood A
Honoring Dr. Kenneth Hood on his birthday, recognizing exemplary volunteers serving older adults.

The Village of Arlington Heights Senior Citizens Commission is proud to
announce that Al and Donna Kunz
have been selected as the recipients of the 2025 Dr. Kenneth Hood Award, an annual honor that
recognizes exceptional volunteer service on behalf of older adults in our
community.
The award, traditionally announced each year on July 31—the birthday of the late Dr. Kenneth Hood, a lifelong advocate for
older adults—honors individuals or organizations who have carried forward the
torch of service in support of seniors in Arlington Heights.
Al and Donna Kunz were selected for their outstanding dedication and volunteerism at
the Arlington Heights Nurses Club Lending
Closet, located within the Arlington Heights Senior Center. Together,
the Kunz’s are a vital part of the Lending Closet’s operations—volunteering
regularly every Tuesday, and
stepping in whenever inventory surges or additional support is needed. The
Lending Closet, open six days a week,
provides Arlington Heights residents of all ages with free access to durable
medical equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, and commodes.
Find out what's happening in Arlington Heightsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
What sets the Kunz’s apart is not only their tireless commitment to the smooth
running of the Lending Closet, but also their outreach to outside agencies who
lack access to medical equipment. They have coordinated equipment pickups for
underserved populations, ensuring that mobility and dignity are within reach
for all. Additionally, they trained the thirty volunteers how to utilize a new
computer platform that helps control inventory.
Known for their warmth and humor, Al and Donna create a welcoming
environment for everyone who walks through the door. Their service exemplifies
the spirit of the Dr. Kenneth Hood Award—enhancing the quality of life for
seniors and contributing to a more compassionate, connected community.
Find out what's happening in Arlington Heightsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The Kunz’s
will be formally presented with the Dr. Kenneth Hood Award at an upcoming
Village of Arlington Heights Board Meeting.
“We’re honored to recognize Al and Donna Kunz
for their remarkable efforts,” said Fred Vogt, Senior Citizens Commission Chair.
“Their devotion to the Lending Closet and the people it serves represents the
very best of volunteerism in Arlington Heights.” The Senior Citizens Commission
is comprised of 9 Arlington Heights residents interested in issues that affect
older adults.
For more information about the Lending Closet
and other senior services, please contact them Arlington Heights Senior Center at 847-797-5315
or visit https://www.vah.com/residents/senior_center/volunteer_with_the_senior_center.php#collapselinks-3790-20b1