The Kishwaukee Valley United Way announced the winners of its 2008 Spirit of Caring Award.

Volunteers Jim Keck and Ron Mullen were honored during the group’s annual meeting March 13. Keck won the community volunteer award and Mullen won the staff volunteer award.

Dawn Littlefield, the program’s director, said Keck was nominated by four people. Keck volunteers at the St. Mary’s Church food pantry, collecting food and staffing the pantry. All four nominators also mentioned his informal volunteer work around his neighborhood, helping seniors with things like yard work and snow removal.

Littlefield said Mullen was nominated for his extensive work with the Meals on Wheels program and as the Voluntary Action Center’s services director. Mullen oversees recruitment, scheduling and retention, as well as the holiday meals program.

Ellen Rogers, who nominated Mullen, said volunteer program participation has grown as a result of Mullen’s work.

Other nominees for the award include Gary Gresholdt, Bill McMahon, Sandy Short, Renee Simons, Margo Sutorius and Kyle White.