MENDOTA - As the old adage goes, actions speak louder than words. This year’s winner of the H.D. Hume Award for Outstanding Service, Luther Kaiser, is living proof of that adage.

The Hume Award, which was presented to Kaiser during the Mendota Area Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Dinner on Nov. 9, is traditionally a well-guarded secret until the surprise announcement is made at the dinner. This year was a bit different.

Kaiser explained later that he was told about the award the day before because he is a bit on the reclusive side and would not have gone to the dinner otherwise. “But I was surprised when they told me I was getting it,” he added.

Born and raised in Mendota, Kaiser said he graduated from Mendota High School in 1977 and except for a couple years living in Troy Grove, he remained in his hometown throughout his life. “I enjoy the small town. I never wanted to move away,” he said. “I don’t think I’d do well in the big city.”

His early years were spent working at Kaiser Implement, a family business owned by his dad and uncle. In 1992, he started working full time at Del Monte, where he is currently employed as senior mechanic.

Although Kaiser was reluctant to say much about his years doing volunteer work, a more descriptive account was given by Chamber President and CEO Jesse Arellano during the Chamber Dinner. “You can usually find this years’ recipient at one of several Mendota organizations, volunteering several times a week,” Arellano said in his introduction to the award. “He is a very active member of the Mendota Moose Lodge, always helping with bingo, preparing for taco night, and anything else that they need help with. He volunteers at the Mendota Elks Lodge and the Mendota V.F.W. as well. He is a volunteer that will help with anything, we are told by the clubs. His volunteerism and willingness to help in any way is outstanding and much appreciated by the organizations.”

In addition, Arellano said Kaiser personally picks and delivers fresh Del Monte sweet corn to area nursing homes and restaurants during Mendota’s Annual Sweet Corn Festival, so they have plenty of corn.

Kaiser, who has been volunteering at local organizations for close to 20 years, said although he is really not a very social person, he volunteers because it is satisfying and he likes helping the clubs. “They’re not doing so well these days,” he noted.

A man of very few words, Kaiser smiled and waved at the crowd as he accepted his award but declined the offer to give an impromptu speech. Off to the side, his sister, nephews and other family members were waiting to congratulate him.

“I’m pretty much a quiet person - I like working in the background,” Kaiser said later. “Volunteers don’t usually get a lot of recognition and I’m fine with that. But I thank everyone for the honor of being considered and chosen for this award.”