Friday, May 8, 2026

Walking the Walk and Compassion for Campers Update for May 8 2026


 May Day in McHenry.

Look for new opportunities for action, education, community, and solidarity in and around McHenry County here every week.  

 Walking the Walk  



Woodstock Pride Fest--June 13-14 Annual family-friendly events celebrating the LGBTQIA+ Community. Multiple special events.  Pride Parade and the Festival on the Square 11 am to 4 pm.

Ride/Walk to Leave a Light On--On and around Woodstock SquareFridayJune 19 7 pm.  Benefiting Break Crystal Lake Teen CenterCompassion for CampersCommunity Connection for YouthIMC--employment, education, health, and housing services, Jail BreakersLemonade & AdvocateLive4Lali, and Woodstock Pride.


The McHenry County Juneteenth Festival will be held on Saturday, June 20, from 3 to 5:30 pm on Woodstock Square Woodstock.

Compassion for Campers 


Friday, May 1 turned out to be the last C4C distribution at Community Resource Days at Willow Crystal Lake.  New leadership at Willow's home church announced a suspension of services at least until the Fall on May 24.  Our own resources are exhausted and we could not afford another on May 14.  

More disappointing news--Sue Rekenthaler reported: " McHenry County denied our request because our compassion seemed to just be making our homeless friends more comfortable! That was the point exactly! Give someone shelter from the rain, a warm sleeping bag, a stove to heat up a can of soup. County funds were low, so I guess don't help the most vulnerable in our community. Am I angry? Somewhat. Am I surprised? No. In a republican county like this-not surprised. Am I defeated? No way. Our Compassion for Campers program will explore over sources. For now, I am very sad and disappointed. The video of the committee's comments can be seen online on the meeting portal."  Sue is grateful for an outpouring of support and offers to help as the news spread

C4C hopes to continue our service to the unhoused.  SueChaplain Dave Becker of Tree of Life UU Congregation, and existing and potential church partners are considering options going forward.  Meanwhile, your continued support is critical. Until we find a new venue, we will not be able to accept material donations due to lack of storage space.  The best thing you can do is offer your critically needed financial support to get us through this emergency.  Money donations are always welcome at     https://tinyurl.com/3bz96axe.   Look for updates here.  Email compassionforcampers@treeoflifeuu.org .

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