For generations, Delavan has thrived on the energy and commitment of its people. Neighbors helped neighbors, whether through volunteer fire calls, pancake breakfasts at the Legion, or setting up tents for the annual Fall Festival. It was understood: when something needed doing, Delavan folks showed up.

Now, that unwritten contract is under strain.

A Town That Knows How to Give — But Is Running Out of Givers

Delavan’s tradition of volunteer service remains alive—but barely. A sharp decline in Emergency Medical Services volunteers recently forced the town’s privately funded ambulance service, which receives no tax support, to halt patient transport. Responders continued to attend emergencies, but could only stabilize patients and wait—often between 20 and 40 minutes—for backup from neighboring communities. In critical cases, that wait meant the difference between survival and tragedy. Fortunately, a mix of creative problem-solving and a waiver from the State of Illinois—reducing the required number of transport personnel—has allowed the Delavan Ambulance Service to resume patient transport. But the question remains: for how long?

The Delavan Fire Department has its own struggles, with a decline in young recruits and an aging volunteer base putting strain on essential operations. Training compliance, emergency response, and equipment upkeep have all become more difficult. “The alarm goes off and we answer it,” said Fire Chief Chris Sydney. “But fewer people drop everything and show up.”

Churches and Civic Clubs Feel the Squeeze

The ripple effect of volunteer scarcity reaches every corner of the community. Churches, once dependable hubs of outreach and fellowship, now cancel or scale back activities due to a lack of helping hands. Community meals, youth programs, and seasonal drives struggle to staff even basic needs.

Civic groups like Delavan's Optimist Club—founded in 1982 and long regarded as a cornerstone of community service and social connection—have faced declining membership in recent years. By February of 2022, participation had dwindled so significantly that the club nearly disbanded altogether. However, a public appeal sparked a wave of renewed interest, and the addition of several new members ultimately saved the organization from closing its doors.

American Legion Post 382 is seeing its membership age, with many longtime veterans no longer able to participate in the same way. To sustain the post and its mission of honoring service and supporting the community, Legion leaders have begun actively recruiting younger members. They’ve even changed leadership to attract younger members,

The Fall Festival — A Beloved Tradition Under Pressure

Perhaps nothing captures the challenge more poignantly than Delavan’s Fall Festival. For decades, families filled Delavan to enjoy live music, tractor pulls, and a vibrant parade. Local businesses donated supplies. Residents volunteered to cook, coordinate, and clean. But in recent years, the strain of recruiting volunteers has become obvious.

Understanding the “Why”

The causes aren’t unique to Delavan. They reflect broader societal shifts:

• Work and Time Pressures: With more people commuting or juggling multiple jobs, free time is scarce.
• Declining Institutional Involvement: Church attendance and civic club participation aren’t the fixtures they once were.
• Demographic Trends: Younger residents often leave for urban centers, and those who stay may not have the time or inclination to volunteer as their parents did.
• Volunteer Burnout: Many of Delavan’s most active volunteers have been “doing it all” for decades, and they’re tired.

Seeking Solutions, Together

Despite the challenges, Delavan hasn’t given up. Some organizations are exploring new strategies, such as rotating micro-volunteer roles that take only an hour or two a month. Others are engaging high schoolers and recent graduates, hoping to seed lifelong habits of service.

Churches are collaborating on joint events. The fire department has hosted an informal open house to welcome potential recruits. And festival planners are trimming the event to focus on the essentials—ensuring it can continue, even at a smaller scale.

A Call to Action

Delavan is not alone in facing these challenges, but its response will shape its future. Volunteerism isn’t just about filling roles—it’s about keeping the community’s heart beating.

Delavan is learning that sustaining tradition requires adaptation and collective resolve. The town may be at a crossroads, but its compass still points toward connection.

As one former Fall Festival board member put it, “If you love this place, step in—even if it’s just for an hour. That hour could make all the difference."