Barb Neises learned how to volunteer from her mom and has taken on projects for the McHenry Riverwalk Foundation since.

They don't wear capes. They drive through snowstorms, feed the homeless, and show up every single day for the people who need them most. Meet more 2026 Everyday Heroes in McHenry County — and the readers who wanted to say thank you

At any hour and in any weather, two retired firefighters dedicate themselves to assisting fire departments in emergency calls across McHenry County by keeping bellies full and hearts warm.

Barb Neises learned how to volunteer from her mom and has taken on projects for the McHenry Riverwalk Foundation since.

Local food pantry volunteers do more than stock shelves. They also try to make the experience seamless and humane for those who are being helped.

Jack Darby, the longtime voice of Woodstock boys basketball and former freshman study hall monitor, remains active with the high school and is beloved by students and faculty alike. His generosity, sense of humor and support of WHS athletics is valued by all.

A Crystal Lake has made it his personal mission to provide blankets to people who are homeless. He pitched his plan to his principal, and in the process got others at his school into giving.

Holly Eberle is a librarian, mentor, volunteer, advocate for people with mental illness, defender of intellectual freedom and more.

First responders at the scene get more of the credit and attention, but the dispatchers at agencies like SEECOM also play a crucial role in emergency response.