Tag Days for ALS in Barrington Friday, Saturday

On Friday, May 3 and Saturday, May 4, nearly 150 volunteers wearing yellow aprons and holding collection cans will be stationed near stores and at intersections throughout Barrington as part of the Les Turner ALS Foundation’s Tag Days drive.

Residents Bob Lee and Chris Maytnier, with help from Barrington High School students Connor Maytnier and Alley McConnell, are spearheading the effort in honor of Paul Launer, 47, of Barrington. Launer — an athlete who frequently played hockey, went scuba diving and snow boarded — was diagnosed with ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease, in June 2011. He now has limited use of his hands, legs and speech.

Last year’s Tag Days effort in Barrington collected $16,500 to support medical research, patient services and educational activities. That amount is hoped to be surpassed this weekend.