Effingham, IL – December 18, 2025 — Hope 4 Horses Rescue & Sanctuary, a local nonprofit dedicated to providing care, rehabilitation, and a safe haven for equines in need, has joined the Effingham County Chamber.
Established in 2018 by Donna and Jim Columbus, Hope 4 Horses Rescue & Sanctuary offers hope and healing to horses, ponies, donkeys, and mules — and occasionally other animals — on its rural Effingham property. The organization is operated entirely by volunteers who support the daily care and well-being of the animals through feeding, watering, cleaning, grooming, and exercise.
Hope 4 Horses is committed to creating a welcoming environment for volunteers of all experience levels. Training is provided, and volunteers are encouraged to take part in activities that match their comfort and interests. Much of the work takes place in covered or indoor areas, allowing opportunities to help in a variety of weather conditions. Individuals, families, teams, and groups are all welcome.
“Hope 4 Horses Rescue & Sanctuary provides compassionate care while creating meaningful opportunities for community involvement,” said Katie Koester, President & CEO of the Effingham County Chamber. “Their work reflects a strong commitment to service, education, and animal welfare, and their Chamber membership helps connect them with additional community partners and resources.”
Those interested in volunteering can sign up through LoveTheHam.org, where Hope 4 Horses is listed as a participating nonprofit agency. Volunteer roles are flexible and designed to ensure a positive, supportive experience for both the animals and those who care for them.
For more information about Hope 4 Horses Rescue & Sanctuary, visit Hope4Horses.org. Questions or inquiries may also be directed via email to hope4horsesrescue@gmail.com. Volunteer opportunities are available at www.lovetheham.org/agency/detail/Hope4Horses/.
This Chamber membership was made possible through the Pay It Forward Program, sponsored by Land of Lincoln Credit Union, a Chamber Capital Investor, which allows Capital Investors to gift Chamber memberships to local nonprofits helping them expand their reach and impact in Effingham County.
Chamber membership gives your business access to valuable connections, resources, and opportunities designed to help you grow and succeed. To learn more, contact Membership Director Becky Brown at (217) 347-6283 or visit EffinghamCountyChamber.com.
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Pictured (back row, left to right): Chamber Ambassadors Clint Holkenbrink (Wabash Communications), Lisa Cornell (Midland States Bank, Michael Wall (HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital Foundation), and Steve Will (Dieterich Bank).
Pictured (front row, left to right): Chamber President & CEO Katie Koester, Chamber Ambassador Lisa Wilson (Land of Lincoln Credit Union), Founders Donna & Jim Columbus, and Chamber Ambassador Layna Bond (Bond & Associates-American Family Insurance).
About the Effingham County Chamber
Founded in 1917, the Effingham County Chamber has been a leader in supporting business growth and community progress for more than a century. Today, the Chamber continues to champion local success through advocacy, professional development, and initiatives that strengthen Effingham County’s economy. Learn more at EffinghamCountyChamber.com.