DORIS HOSKINS

Doris Hoskins has been married twice and is the mother of 10 and the grandmother or great grandmother of an enormous brood that represent dozens of professions. She is a singer and an organist at her church. Over her 92 years of her life in Champaign-Urbana, she has always remained involved as a community volunteer and a leader among volunteers. She is currently still active on a daily basis with her numerous volunteer interests.

She is a leader in the Provena Covenant Hospital Auxiliary and a guiding force for Matthew House 18, a program for at risk children that has been enormously successful at getting children back on track and even into college. In her more than 20 years with the hospital, Mrs. Hoskins has visited with patients and their families, sorted mail, helped with the homebound program, worked in the gift shop, raised funds and served on boards to expand the hospital building. Mrs. Hoskins dedicates a great deal of time and energy to her church also. She has long been involved with the PTA and its programs as well as the Early American Museum at the Champaign County Forest Preserve in Mahomet and was the most critical member of that museum’s task force to research the history of African Americans in Champaign County. About 60 years ago she signed up as a room mother and made cupcakes and cookies for holiday programs as well as other school sponsored events. She later joined the citywide PTA Council, becoming an officer and a life member.

Mrs. Hoskins taught remedial reading and secretarial skills at the Urbana Adult Educations Center. She is a lector, Eucharistic minister, trustee and cook at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Mrs. Hoskins has also ushered for youth series events at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts. She also is an active member of RSVP, the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program. Mrs. Hoskins took training and became a counselor in tax and health insurance matters. In addition, Mrs. Hoskins has served as a Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) volunteer and a tax advisor volunteer and is serving on numerous boards and commissions.

As a result of her involvement, Mrs. Hoskins became the editor of a quarterly publication known as Through the Years, which studies the history of the African –American residents of Champaign County. She has worked on more than 12 newsletters through the museum about important African-Americans in the county.

Due to her tireless service efforts in the community, Mrs. Hoskins has been honored with many local awards. She was presented the Studs Terkel Award by the City of Urbana and the Book of Golden Deeds Award by the Optimist Club locally. She has been honored by the YMCA as a Black Woman of Achievement and honored by RSVP with numerous special Service Awards. Mrs. Hoskins was also selected as a Woman of Distinction by the Green Meadows Girl Scout Council and has been honored by Provena Covenant Hospital for her outstanding efforts.