Local firehouses competing Saturday in Red Kettle Competition for Salvation Army of McHenry County

To help The Salvation Army of McHenry County raise funds during its final weekend of bell-ringing for its Love Beyond Christmas Red Kettle campaign, 10 McHenry County firehouses will compete in the seventh annual Fire Fighters Red Kettle Challenge on Saturday, Dec. 21.

Participating firehouses include Algonquin, Cary, Crystal Lake, Fox River Grove, Harvard, Huntley, Marengo, McHenry, Spring Grove and Woodstock. Last year’s competition raised over $26,000.

According to The Salvation Army, its campaign urgently needs support to meet its $213,000 fundraising goal. Donations to the Red Kettle Competition will help The Salvation Army meet the need for social services, including shelter through emergency rent and utility assistance, overcoming food insecurity through its food pantry and Christmas gifts for children.

The firehouses will ring Saturday, Dec. 21, at the following times and locations throughout McHenry County:

• Algonquin: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at both Jewel-Osco locations
• Cary: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Jewel-Osco
• Crystal Lake: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Jewel-Osco
• Fox River Grove: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Jewel-Osco
• Harvard: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Walmart
• Huntley: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at both Jewel-Osco locations
• Marengo: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Sullivan’s
• McHenry: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Jewel-Osco
• Spring Grove: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Jewel-Osco
• Woodstock: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Jewel-Osco

In recent days, The Salvation Army of McHenry County also distributed thousands of gifts to hundreds of children from 128 low-income households. The toy distributions took place at The Salvation of Crystal Lake Corps Community on Dec. 17 and 18.

The gifts of toys, games, books and clothing were donated by community members and local businesses, and about 100 volunteers made the gift distribution event possible by setting up the toy shop and assisting families in shopping for gifts.