Volunteers of America has presented New Orleans Saints running back Mark Ingram with its highest honor -- the 2018 Ballington and Maud Booth Award.

Volunteers of America presents the award annually to individuals who demonstrate distinguished service to humanity. Previous winners of the award have included First Ladies Lady Bird Johnson and Nancy Reagan.

VOA recognized Ingram for his work mentoring children, particularly those with an incarcerated parent.

"Mark Ingram turned his personal childhood experience into a motivating factor," said VOA National President and CEO Mike Young, "and now gives back to children who are in the same situation, including those in Volunteers of America Southeast Louisiana's Mentoring Children of Promise Program. We are very proud and excited to present the 2018 Booth Award to Mark in honor of his working helping children in the New Orleans community build a solid foundation for the future."

Ingram started the Mark Ingram Foundation during his rookie NFL season to help children with parents in jail.

Ingram received the award at the VOA's awards dinner earlier this month at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans.

The award is named for the founders of Volunteers of America, who promised to "go wherever we are needed and do whatever comes to hand."

Now a national non-profit, faith-based organization, Volunteers of America has supported the United States' most vulnerable since 1896. It helps more than 2 million people annually in more than 400 communities through a variety of programs.

Ingram won the Heisman Trophy in 2009, when he helped Alabama capture the BCS national championship. He joined the Saints as the 28th player picked in the 2011 NFL Draft and has earned two Pro Bowl invitations.

Ingram ranks second in Saints' history with 5,362 rushing yards and 44 rushing touchdowns. He needs 735 rushing yards and six rushing TDs to replace Deuce McAllister as the franchise's all-time leader.

Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @AMarkG1.