Firefighter Red Kettle Challenge returns for fifth year in McHenry County

On Saturday, Dec. 17, The Salvation Army of McHenry County will be holding the Firefighter Red Kettle Challenge.

The fire departments from Crystal Lake, Algonquin/Lake in the Hills, Fox River Grove, Huntley, and Woodstock will be ringing bells at their local Jewel Food stores to raise money for The Salvation Army of McHenry County.

Firefighters will be donating their time with the hopes of both raising money for their communities and to win the fifth annual Firefighter Challenge.

Bell ringing is The Salvation Army's biggest source of income. Funds raised locally, stay local to support youth, adult, and senior programming, food assistance, school supply assistance, as well as social and emergency services and homeless prevention year-round.

Support from the bell ringing program raised more than $200,000 in the red kettles last year due to the generosity of time from volunteers and donations from the community.

During the holiday season, funding supports a free community Thanksgiving dinner and toys for children in need. In 2020, The Salvation Army provided over 5,000 gifts to local children through the Christmas Toyland Shop and Angel Tree program.

The Salvation Army of McHenry County only has collected $65,000 with less than two weeks left. Your help is needed.

Residents can participate in this year's Firefighter Red Kettle Challenge by vising your local Jewel Food Store on Saturday, Dec. 17, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and donating money to the firefighter's kettles. Bell Ringers are still needed through Dec. 24.

Those interested can go to www.registertoring.com to register or call (815) 455-2769 for more information.