Three gold coins found in McHenry County red kettles

Its mid-season for the Red Kettle Campaign, and with a goal of $250,000, The Salvation Army of Crystal Lake and McHenry County is depending on the generosity of the community.

On the evening of Dec. 5, they weren't disappointed as three gold coins were found in three separate kettles throughout McHenry County.

"It's always a wonderful surprise to open the red kettles and find one gold coin in a season if you are fortunate enough, but to find three this year, on the same night, is quite the great surprise and a tremendous blessing," states Captain Carol Lewis, corps officer for The Salvation Army of McHenry County.

"We are truly grateful for this anonymous gift."

The money collected in the red kettles in McHenry County is used to provide services to those in need in the county during the holiday season, including a new community Thanksgiving meal, Christmas Angel Tree, toy shop and food baskets.

Money raised at Christmas also includes 70 percent of the yearly budget that supports year-round case management and emergency assistance, including emergency shelter, rent assistance, utility assistance, medical prescription's assistance, clothing and winter coat vouchers, and emergency food.

It supports children and youth programs, including after school programming, summer day camp, character building programs, overnight summer camps, teen/young adult ministry and Metro Youth Network.

It supports emergency disasters, rapid response to local and national disasters with mobile canteen for hydration, food and spiritual and pastoral care for first responders and the victims of the disasters. They are also committed to meeting the long-term needs of those affected by disasters.

The red kettle campaign continues until Dec. 24 and is very dependent upon volunteers in assisting with bellringing. Shifts are available Monday-Saturday for the next two weeks and signup is easy online at www.registertoring.com or call (815) 455-ARMY (2769).