What will you be doing on the cold, early Saturday mornings sure to come this winter?  Sleeping in, sleeping it off, turning up the furnace, wishing for warm summer days?

Well, thanks to an $11,223.48 grant made possible by The Community Foundation of McHenry County, Blessing Barn’s volunteers and recipients will be at our open building, having the chill taken off the cold morning air by our new pellet stove, the only available source for heat in our building.  In addition, this grant covers our insurance expenses.

We have been open the first Saturday of every month for the past 16 years.  We assist those in need of basic life items, such as clothing, coats, shoes, bedding, and so on.  Our recipients come to us by referral from social service agencies, churches, school counselors, or word-of-mouth.  Our supplies are donated by a generous and loyal local community, and then sorted by our Executive Director, Jacqueline Piggott, and a team of dedicated volunteers.

Of the stove, Jacqueline says, “The weather won’t shut us down like it did last winter after our stove went out and could not be repaired.  We are sooooo thankful that the Community Foundation approved our grant request.  Besides our recipients, our volunteers will really appreciate the heat”.  The Community Foundation of McHenry County also came to our support in years past when we expanded our services.

About The Community Foundation for McHenry County

The Foundation is the leader in McHenry County for providing legacy giving opportunities to our community’s donors and charitable organizations. Founded in 2001 to ensure financial support to McHenry County’s charitable community forever, The Foundation today is a $48 million organization that serves to “connect people who care with causes that matter.”

Our mission is to philanthropically address the needs of McHenry County by providing leadership, granting resources, stewarding assets, and fostering awareness. The Foundation and its community of donors provides financial support and leadership to charitable organizations that serve the residents in our county. For more information, please call us at 815.338.4483, email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or visit our website at thecfmc.org.

For more information on Blessing Barn, contact us at: 815-382-0206, or for The Community Foundation of McHenry County, contact: 815-338-4483, email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit our website at thecfmc.org.

Thanks to all who generously donate their time to help us do what we do, and to the generous community, whose endless donations help us assist so many individuals, families, and agency clients on a long term basis.

Blessings to you all in return!