Compassion for Campers Adds Gear Distribution Options for June

Compassion for Campers, the program that provides supplies and gear for the McHenry County homeless will hold its monthly outdoor, warm weather distribution at St. Ann’s Episcopal Church, 503 W. Jackson Street in Woodstock today Tuesday June 15 from 3:30-5 pm.

Clients select from gear on display at St. Ann's Episcopal Church in Woodstock last November.

Compassion for Campers is also joining a collective effort by McHenry County Outreach, a loose cooperation between service providers in the area including Pioneer Center, the St. Vincent DePaul Society, Warp Corps, and others for an enhanced service opportunity for the unhoused at Willow Creek Crystal Lake, 100 Main Street in Crystal Lake on Friday June 25 from 10 am-3pm.  There will be a mobile shower available, free use of laundry facilities, onsite case management services for people who are looking for the assistance, and lunch in addition to the usual camping gear and equipment.  

Willow Creek Crystal Lake on Mainstreet downtown will host a new, cooperative service to the unhoused that will include showers, laundry facilities, social service agency referrals and case management in addition to Compassion for Campers gear.

The program has stocked up on seasonal supplies including insect repellent, sunscreen, rain ponchos, and lighter socks and clothing.

“Meanwhile Compassion for Campers will continue to have some gear including tents, sleeping bags, mats, and stoves available at Warp Corps, 114 North Benton Street in Woodstock for walk-in pickup when the store is open,” according to Patrick Murfin, a volunteer coordinator, “making it easier to continuously meet the needs of our unhoused neighbors.

Compassion for Campers is grateful to St. Ann’s Episcopal, Willow Creek Crystal Lake, the Faith Leaders of McHenry County, McHenry County Outreach, Warp Corps, and Tree of Life Unitarian Universalist Congregation in McHenry for their invaluable ongoing support.

Contributions to support the program can be made by sending a check made out to Tree of Life UU Congregation, 5603 Bull Valley Road, McHenry, IL 60050 with Compassion for Campers on the memo line. The donations are placed in a dedicated fund and not used for any other purpose.  Tree of Life also donates all the administrative expenses of the program so 100% of all donations go directly to client assistance.