'Give the gift of shelter' to PADS this month

When it comes to winter, residents of McHenry County are a truly resilient population. Residents know to start their cars 15 minutes before going anywhere and everyone keeps a stock of hats, gloves, scarfs, boots and coats.

But, at its best, winter is "manageable" and most residents choose to beat the cold by simply staying indoors. However, staying indoors is not a luxury all McHenry County residents have.

Fortunately, McHenry County PADS, a program of Pioneer Center for Human Services, works to help the homeless population of McHenry County. PADS is a lifesaver in the wintertime for the homeless. Just in the last year, PADS provided food, shelter and services to more than 290 people who found themselves homeless, including 20 families, 38 children and 19 veterans.

Unfortunately, these services are dependent on grants and donations. This past November, PADS kicked off its year-end giving campaign, "Give the Gift of Shelter," with the goal of raising $80,000 for the program - which costs over $700,000 to operate annually. Thanks to the generosity of our community, PADS is 90 percent of the way to meeting this goal.

"We have until the end of January to meet our goal before the campaign ends," said Christin Kruse, chief development officer. "And we believe we can do it with your help. The PADS program truly makes a difference in the lives of people in our community."

Your tax-deductible donation can be made online at www.giftofshelter.org, or donations can be mailed to McHenry County PADS Administrative Office, 4100 Veterans Parkway, McHenry, IL, 60050.