Hugo Saltijeral is executive director of Valley Sheltered Workshop in Batavia – after a second career serving the homeless at Hesed House in Aurora.

The annual "Chop Around the Clock" fundraiser has become a beloved tradition in Batavia. Barber Craig Foltos said it's about providing hope to all of the children and families being helped by Ronald McDonald House. He said the event shows "they are not alone."

Janie Grillo of Campton Hills collects monarch eggs and caterpillars, raises them safely from predators, releases the mature butterflies – and tags those that are migrating.

Jennifer Mobley, co-founder of “Big Hearts of Fox Valley” with her husband Minor, said she’s witnessed first-hand the power of a community coming together. Her nonprofit unites the police and fire department, schools and volunteers to help St. Charles D303 students in need.