If you’ve ever seen the looks on the faces of the children who are served by Shop With A Cop each year, you’d understand why this is one of our favorite activities here are Performance Unlimited. Shop With A Cop is a Police Charities benefit that provides children from financially challenged families with an opportunity to enjoy a little holiday cheer each December.

The McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce business networking group we belong to – MC3 – has the honor of supporting Shop With A Cop each year for the last nine years. In fact, our group has raised approximately $76,000 so that police officers can escort children, one on one, for some holiday shopping. The money we raise goes towards a new winter coat, hat, gloves and boots for each child, along with $150 in spending money.

Of course, when I say “the money we raise,” I’m referring to the contributions of businesses and individuals in the McHenry area. It is through their generosity that this program is such an annual success.

The way we raise funds, along with accepting cash contributions, is by asking businesses and individuals to provide auction and raffle items. Some of the items they’ve contributed are extraordinary. As an example, one of the contributions we’ve received already this year is an African Safari. But, we need more contributions if we’re going to make sure that close to 100 area children in need receive the benefits of Shop With A Cop.

Therefore, if you’re reading this, and if you’d like to contribute, too, here is an opportunity to do so; just drop your donations off at the McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce, 1257 N Green Street, McHenry. But, first, please, click here and print the Sponsor/Prize Form, fill it out and bring it with to the Chamber office with your donation.

We accept much more than African Safaris; we also receive gift certificates for products and services. The event for the auctions and raffles is at 6 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 21, at the McHenry VFW, east of the Fox River on the north side of Route 120. More than an auction and raffle, it’s also one of the best parties of the year. In fact, we’ll have food and entertainment throughout the evening, including the outstanding musical talents of Hans and the Hormones.

When arriving, guests can purchase raffle tickets for a 50/50 raffle, as well as raffle tickets for raffle items on the front set of tables. The next set of tables also have prizes but are earned through a silent auction. Finally, we have a live auction later in the evening.