The holidays are coming and one thing is sure – more than a few people will have to loosen their belts a little after enjoying those wonderful holiday meals. There’s Thanksgiving with the traditional turkey dinner, including all the fixings and topped off with pumpkin or apple pie. Then Christmas rolls in with anything from a crown roast, to a ham or even another turkey. Once again the sides are appeasing to taste buds but hard on waste lines, including a wide assortment of festively decorated cookies. But, for some people living among us here in McHenry, there is little variance expected from any other meal during the year.

Some folks will eat what they can afford to eat, as meager as that may be. It is with these neighbors of ours that the McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce has launched its First Annual Thanksgiving Harvest Food and Funds Drive. The program kicks off Nov. 1 with proceeds supporting FISH, the McHenry Food Pantry.

Kay Bates, the president of the Chamber, said, “Our goal is to collect 50,000 pounds of non-perishable food items and personal products.”

According to Bates, there are three ways that people can help out, though no one is limited to choosing only one of these.

• Sponsor a Thanksgiving Harvest Food and Funds Drive collection box: This works best for someone who has a brick-and-mortar business in the area, such as Performance Unlimited - 5415 Austin Court, Ringwood - which is placing a collection box in their waiting room. Those bringing their cars, SUVs or pickups in for service or repairs are encouraged to bring along some canned goods or other nonperishables. Of course, you’re also welcome to stop by with your non-perishable donations even if you’re not bringing your vehicle in for service (find us here: Map it on Google). There are at least 25 collection boxes at area businesses. The Chamber has more if you would like to put one in your store, office or business, too.
• Make a financial donation: As Bates put it, “Monetary donations are gratefully accepted. FISH is a partner with the Northern Illinois Food Bank and is able to make food purchases at extremely low prices. This means that, if you donate $10, your contribution purchases $80 worth of food.” To make a financial donation, you can stop by the Chamber office at 1257 N Green Street in McHenry, or you can donate online by visiting (Click Here).
• You can volunteer: Donations will be delivered to FISH at a later date and sorters are needed to unload and organize the donations. Sorting runs from 8 to 10 a.m. at The Chapel, 1809 S Route 31, McHenry. You can call the Chamber office to register at 815-385-4300 or you can register by following this link. 

One great thing about helping out is how good it will feel, while you enjoy your holiday meals, knowing you’ve helped others to have holiday meals, too.