McHenry PADS needs your help with year-end appeal

As of Dec. 16, McHenry County PADS, a program of Pioneer Center for Human Services, has received 39 percent of its $80,000 year-end appeal goal from generous businesses and community members.

In November, the organization kicked off its year-end giving campaign, "Give the Gift of Shelter." On its way to achieving the goal, the campaign aims to raise money in order to help fight homelessness in McHenry County.

"People across the area have responded to the 'Give the Gift of Shelter' campaign with such heart and generosity," said Christin Kruse, chief development officer for Pioneer Center. "These donations will truly help to fight homelessness in McHenry County."

As donations continue to come in, McHenry County PADS looks forward to helping individuals and families address the root problems of homelessness. The organization provides various services to individuals and families facing homelessness. The day center provides warm meals, counseling, medications and computer access to research job opportunities to those to those in need.

At its transitional home, individuals are offered the opportunity to rebuild their lives and work toward having their own home.

This past year, the McHenry County PADS program provided food, shelter and services to more than 290 people who found themselves homeless, including 20 families, 38 children and 19 veterans.

McHenry County PADS can only offer these much needed services with the support of the community. Each year, funding for this program steadily declines and Pioneer Center is forced to fundraise more and more to meet the needs of those facing homelessness.

This holiday season, give the gift of shelter and help end homelessness in McHenry County. Make your tax-deductible gift before Dec. 31.

To donate online, visit www.giftofshelter.org. Donations can also be sent to McHenry County PADS administrative office, 4100 Veterans Parkway, McHenry, IL 60050.