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Published in Crystal Lake, Illinois, USA, by Shaw Media.
McHenry County, Illinois, news and video
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Welcome to “Everyday Heroes,” a Northwest Herald special project celebrating local residents who selflessly donate their time and their talents to help those most in need. There are hundreds – thousands? – of everyday heroes living in our own communities.
They are the volunteers who make our McHenry County communities better places to live simply because they care. They are motivated not by money or success or prestige, but by a love for their fellow human beings and a deep desire to help.
In November, we asked our readers to nominate their unsung heroes – selfless local folks who give back to their communities in a variety of ways. Our readers responded in huge numbers. We received more than 100 nominations. Most of the nominees were worthy of making this project. Read More >>
The definition of a hero differs from person to person. Many people deserving of recognition are too humble to see the difference they make.
• Watch the Everyday Heroes introduction video
• See images in the project photo gallery
• To order DVDs of videos by the Northwest Herald call 815.459.4040 •
For each Hero, click 
to play a video, and 
to read their story.
Six videos will be revealed on Saturday and five more will be revealed each day after, so check back often.
Volunteers his time as a handyman at Turning Point.
Donated one of her kidneys to a friend.
Has served on the ACTS board of directors for 18 years.
Maintains the Algonquin-LITH Food Pantry's gardens.
Organized the Crystal Lake Kiwanis Club's first ever Santa Run.
Volunteers at the Hoffman Estates-based Fellowship Housing.
Organizes veteran homecomings with the Warriors Watch and has created murals honoring fallen local soldiers.
A transgender advocate planning a group in the area.
Did a random act of kindness each day in December.
Therapist who helps children with disabilities.
Runs the bereavement ministry for St. John the Baptist Church.
Volunteers as a carpenter with Faith in Action.
Bring food and Christmas gifts to families in need throughout the county.
Styles hair for some clients for next to nothing out of the goodness of her heart.
Volunteers for the Harvard High School music department.
Volunteers his time away to provide free care to the county's most vulnerable residents.
Donates flowers to a nursing home.
Works with Mission Possible to aid people in need.
Plays the piano for residents at Hearthstone Manor while they enjoy lunch.
Works part time as a physical therapy technician and volunteers countless hours at PADS.
Continues to visit Haiti to deliver food and assist those in need.
Works at Senior Services Associates Inc. in Johnsburg.
Has volunteered more than 4,000 hours at the Centegra Hospital cafeteria.
Volunteers at the Family Health Partnership Clinic contacting patients.
Volunteers his time as a scout master.
Works with wounded soliders, or those with other physical impairment, and teaches them how to ski.
Has supported her neighbor and her husband during his cancer treatments.
Volunteers every Friday for Meals on Wheels.
Named an ambassador for the Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce.
Organizes many events honoring veterans.
Clears and burns debris and invasive plants while volunteering at the McHenry County Conservation District.
Organizes events and activities for local seniors as the director of the Kraus Senior Center.
Volunteers at Family Health Partnership Clinic, organizing the Care4 Breast Cancer Race.
Has volunteered with the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance for 35 years.
Newlon volunteers at GiGi's Playhouse, raising awareness about Down syndrome.
Volunteers her time for charity work events, such as Feed My Starving Children.
Web project by
Erick Ward
Videos by
Morgan Ellingston, Dan Mott, Christine Nikolich and Jason Pfrommer
Photos by
H. Rick Bamman, Monica Maschak, Josh Peckler and Sarah Nader
