Algonquin Lions help local food pantry

Wearing their traditional yellow "We Serve" vests, the Algonquin Lions presented a $4,000 check to the staff at the Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Interfaith Food Pantry from proceeds raised by the fifth annual Algonquin Lions-Buffalo Wild Wings Charity Bean Bag Tournament.

This year's tournament raised $8,000 with the proceeds divided between the food pantry and the Algonquin Lion Ted Spella Education Award which will be presented to a Community Unit District 300 student next spring.

The bean bag tournament has raised $25,000 for the food pantry and the education award since 2010.

More than 90 area businesses support the tournament with $4,600 in raffle prizes, sponsorships and entry fees.

"The Algonquin Lions continue to support the food pantry because their volunteers do such noble work for our neighbors in need," said Brett Sandblom, president of the Algonquin Lions Club.

The Algonquin Lions Club is the village's oldest service organization and celebrates its 75th anniversary this year.

For details, visit www.lionsclubofalgonquin.org. The group meets from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Mondays, Nov. 10, 24 and Dec. 15, at Martini on Main, 8 S. Main St. in Algonquin. Prospective members are welcome.