After a Cary woman started a free food pantry on her front porch, neighbors starting taking it upon themselves to help keep it stocked.

Barb Neises learned how to volunteer from her mom and has taken on projects for the McHenry Riverwalk Foundation since.

Jack Darby, the longtime voice of Woodstock boys basketball and former freshman study hall monitor, remains active with the high school and is beloved by students and faculty alike. His generosity, sense of humor and support of WHS athletics is valued by all.

Local food pantry volunteers do more than stock shelves. They also try to make the experience seamless and humane for those who are being helped.

A Crystal Lake boy has made it his personal mission to provide blankets to people who are homeless. He pitched his plan to his principal, and in the process got others at his school into giving.

First responders at the scene get more of the credit and attention, but the dispatchers at agencies like SEECOM also play a crucial role in emergency response.

Holly Eberle is a librarian, mentor, volunteer, advocate for people with mental illness, defender of intellectual freedom and more.

Huntley street superintendent Dan Ruggles is involved with everything from cleaning up after a traffic crash to snow removal, pothole fixing, sidewalk repairs, tree trimming and much more.

Jerry Eiserman was recently given the McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce Frank E. Low Award recognizing his lifetime of service. He's been a teacher, coach, sports official and mentor to many in McHenry.