Local businesses donate to Grafton Food Pantry

The HuntleyArea.Biz Networking Group, part of the Huntley Chamber of Commerce, donated $500 to the Grafton Food Pantry to help families in need this holiday season.

The donation will be used to purchase items such as nonperishable food, toiletries, baby supplies, and household cleaning items.

"The Grafton Food Pantry does great work in the community, and we want to help support their mission," stated Lora Ball, treasurer of HuntleyArea.Biz and owner of Huntley Collision Center. "Not only are we small business owners, but as part of this community we feel it's our duty to help our neighbors."

HuntleyArea.biz is a group of local businesses and organizations. Their goal is to deliver quality goods and services, and make a difference in the community in which they live and work.

Funds were raised through the member businesses, who work through the year to network with one another and the community. The decision to donate the funds is voted on annually by members.

Representatives from the local businesses attended the donation event with Santa, including: Kerry Smith, Medulla/Chiro-One; Lisa Anthony and Bernice Bakley, Huntley Travel; Ellie Miller, Rieke Office Interiors; Mike Lim, Advanced Pain Rehab; Elaine O'Connor, O'Connor Electric; Jean Hernandez, Coyote Auto Service; Leigh Ann Porsch, Huntley Area Public Library; Julie Novalinski and David Novalinski, About Your Home Inspection; Monique Mahon, American Community Bank & Trust; Joe DeMay, Prairie Community Bank; Lora Ball, Huntley Collision Center; Chris Gruenefeld, Liberty Mutual Insurance; Christine Rogers, Huntley Springs; Scott Crowe, Huntley Park District; Lora Mahnke, Century 21 New Heritage; and Aldo Romero, Canon.

For more information about HuntleyArea.biz, please visit their website at www.huntleyarea.biz.