Walking the Walk and Compassion for Campers Update for October 23 2026

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

Walking the Walk

Congratulations to all those who were able to participate in any of the activities of the No Kings: Vote Early events held in or around McHenry County and to all who were inspired to take heed and secure their ballots.  The thousands in these parts we part of a record nine million plus who hit the streets in almost every county in the  U.S.

Urgent notice--Vote by Mail alert.  Changes in regulations and uncertainty about possible Postal Service actions means to use caution before dropping your Illinois ballot into a USPS collection box.  If possible, place your ballot in secure drop boxes in McHenry County at 12 sites to cast their ballots early, regardless of where in the county you live. early voting officially opened Sept. 24 at the McHenry County Election Center, 410 S. Eastwood Drive, Woodstock. You can find a complete list of locations and hours of operation on the McHenry County Clerk’s Office website by visiting www.mchenrycountyclerkil.gov then clicking on “Elections” and “Voter Information.” Early voting will be available until 7 p.m. the night before the election at seven of the locations.

Compassion for Campers

Thanks to our partners at harm reduction program Live4Lali, Compassion for Campers is able to resume serving the unhoused and housing insecure in McHenry County with distributions on the First and Third Fridays of the month.  Our next distribution will be this Friday, November 6 from 10 am to Noon at their offices at 665 W. Jackson Unit C2 in Woodstock and then on November 20. We will be able to use the space until at least the end of 2026 or until a search to find a new location for the whole McHenry County Resource Center program to find a new location.  

One way to support our mission is to participate in the Tree of Life UU Congregation (TOLUUC) Service Auction: Serving Looks & Raising Funds on Saturday, November 14 at 5 pm at our shared space at Ridgefield/Crystal Lake Presbyterian Church (RCLPC), 8505 Church Street in Ridgefield and online starting Sunday, November 1.  The Live and Silent Auction supports the staff and mission of TOLUUC and four great community partners including C4C, Crystal Lake Pride, Family Health Partnership Clinic, and Veterans Path to Hope.  "November 14 will be huge fun! Ron Relic will return as our very entertaining and experienced auctioneer, we will have fun, family-friendly drag performers bringing lots of energy to the evening, hors d'oeuvres will be circulating the room while you check out the silent auction baskets and other offerings."  Admission donation is $20.  Reserve a spot at https://2026-Tree-of-Life-UU-Service-Auction.auctria.events or pay at the door.

Financial support remains critical to fulfilling our mission. The best thing you can do is offer your critically needed financial support. Money donations are always welcome at     https://tinyurl.com/3bz96axe.   Look for updates here.  Email compassionforcampers@treeoflifeuu.org .