The folks from Aldens Kennels would like to thank those who contributed to Shop With A Cop. Aldens is a member of MC3, a McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce business networking group. Last Thursday, MC3 held one of the premier parties of the year – a Shop With A Cop benefit at the McHenry VFW.

According to the latest figures, the group has raised close to $14,000 so that area police officers with McHenry County Police Charities can take children, from families facing tough times, Christmas shopping. Each child receives a winter coat, hat, gloves and boots, as well as $150 to make purchases at Walmart on Route 31 in Johnsburg. That means that MC3 has raised enough funds to provide shopping opportunities for more than 90 underprivileged children.

Along with contributing directly to the event, at Aldens, they also coordinated the efforts of the pet care community in McHenry County. The pet care community came out in a big way for helping children in need. Contributors include:

• Aldens Kennels
• Camp Bow Wow
• Claws and Paws
• Gypsy Glenn Kennel
• Happy Tails
• Lucky-E Kennel
• Meadowsweet Ranch
• Nature’s Feed

“It’s really something the way competitors can put aside the competition and work together for a great cause like this,” Al Domrase, the owner of Aldens Kennels said. “It just goes to show how giving people are in the pet care community. They love dogs and cats, and birds and, well, you name it. But, they also love people.”

Domrase said this is not the first year that this group has come together for this cause.

“They’ve really gotten behind this,” he said. “And they’ve really made a difference.”