Drendel's Connect

08/19/2026

💙 A wonderful new chapter with Main Stay Therapeutic Farm, Inc. 🐴

We’re excited to share that Vickie Drendel has joined the Board of Directors at Main Stay Therapeutic Farm!

For Vickie, Main Stay already holds a special place in her heart. She has volunteered with Main Stay’s adaptive riding program for several years, combining two things she loves—horses and giving back to the community. Now, she’s honored to continue supporting Main Stay and its mission in a new role as a board member.

Congratulations Vickie!

At Drendel’s Connect, we believe strong communities happen when people step forward, get involved, and share their time and talents with organizations that matter to them. Main Stay is a wonderful example of the difference those connections can make.

Connecting People. Building Community. 💙

08/18/2026

🐴🇺🇸 Meet Mustang 22. His name carries a powerful meaning.

Jim Drendel is proud to support Operation Wild Horse and its mission of supporting our military veterans and first responders.

For Jim, it’s also personal. He enjoys encouraging and mentoring others, and Operation Wild Horse provides a special place where connection, understanding and support come together.

In this video, you’ll meet Matt and Mustang 22.

22 was named to represent the number of veterans lost to su***de each day—a reminder of why connection and support after service are so important.

Matt shares how he formed a connection with 22 and began working with him. Over time, that bond became something much deeper. Matt says 22 can sense when he’s having a bad day.

And Operation Wild Horse has become more than a place to go.

“It’s a place of family.”

For Matt, it has been a lifesaver.

We hope you’ll take a few minutes to watch their story and see firsthand why programs like Operation Wild Horse matter.

Then help us support Mustang 22 and Operation Wild Horse - Veterans R&R. Follow their work, share their story, get involved and help them continue being there for the veterans and first responders who need this connection.

💙 Connecting People. Building Community.

08/17/2026

💙 Today is National Nonprofit Day! 💙

At Drendel’s Connect, community is at the heart of everything we do.

For 25 years at Drendel’s Corner, Jim and Vickie had the privilege of getting to know the people and organizations that make Huntley and McHenry County such a special place. Today, Drendel’s Connect continues that commitment by helping shine a light on organizations doing incredible work throughout our community.

We’re proud to connect with and support organizations and causes, including:

💙 The Salvation Army Crystal Lake Church of McHenry County
💙 Home of The Sparrow, Inc.
💙 Independence Health & Therapy
💙 Rotary Club of Lake in the Hills
💙 NAMI of McHenry County
💙 Refuge for Women Chicago
💙 Huntley American Legion Post 673 - Auxiliary - SAL
💙 Main Stay Therapeutic Farm, Inc.
💙 Operation Wild Horse - Veterans R&R

National Nonprofit Day is a reminder that stronger communities are built by people who are willing to show up, lend a hand, share resources, and care about their neighbors.

Through Drendel’s Connect, we look forward to sharing more of these organizations’ stories, highlighting opportunities to get involved, and helping to connect people who want to make a difference with those already doing so.

Connecting People. Building Community. 💙

08/17/2026

Looking for a fun night out AND a great way to learn more about an organization making a difference in McHenry County? ❤️

Bingo with CASA is coming up Tuesday, August 25!

Join CASA of McHenry County for an evening of FREE Bingo, prizes, appetizers, a cash bar, and plenty of fun. Between rounds, you'll also have an opportunity to learn a little more about CASA and the important work they do for children in our community.

Events like this are a great way to have some fun, meet new people, and connect with the organizations doing incredible work right here in McHenry County.

Grab some friends and RSVP today! 👇
https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/wVs3yjG/bingo

Connecting People. Building Community. ❤️

Bingo with CASA is coming up on August 25! 🎉 Join us for free Bingo, prizes, appetizers, a cash bar, and a quick introduction to CASA’s mission between rounds.

Bring your friends and RSVP today: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/wVs3yjG/bingo

08/09/2026

Drendel’s Connect officially made its community debut! ❤️

Yesterday, we had a great day at the Huntley Area Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Bags Tournament at Sew Hop'd!

We’ve always enjoyed being part of Chamber events and supporting the local businesses and organizations that make our community such a great place to live, work, and give back.

A special thank you to everyone who stopped to ask us about Drendel’s Connect. Your kind words, encouragement, and excitement about this new chapter meant so much to us!

This is exactly what Drendel’s Connect is all about. Connecting People. Building Community.

We look forward to helping people throughout McHenry County discover the incredible organizations, people, and opportunities right here in our own community.

And yes, the Drendel’s Connect crew is officially out and about! 😊

Jim & Vickie

08/05/2026

Welcome to 𝐃𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐥'𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭!

Earlier this year, Jim retired and sold Drendel's Corner after 25 incredible years of serving Huntley and the McHenry County community.

While that chapter has come to a close, our passion for this community has not.

Over the years, we've had the privilege of meeting incredible people, building lifelong friendships, supporting local organizations, and witnessing firsthand the difference they make in the lives of others.

Those experiences inspired us to create 𝐃𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐥'𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭.

𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞. 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲.

Our mission is to connect people with the organizations, people, and opportunities that make McHenry County stronger. We'll be shining a spotlight on local nonprofits and community organizations, sharing their stories, and inspiring others to volunteer, give back, and get involved.

We're excited to begin this new journey and hope you'll come along with us.

💙 Jim & Vickie Drendel

06/15/2026

After 25 years, it's time for a new chapter.

In January 2026, I officially retired and sold Drendel's Corner.

What started as a local gas station and convenience store became so much more. Over the years, I had the privilege of getting to know thousands of customers, supporting countless community organizations, and building friendships that will last a lifetime.

I want to sincerely thank everyone who walked through our doors, supported our business, shared a conversation, purchased a lotto ticket, donated to a local cause, or simply stopped by to say hello.

Thank you for 25 incredible years.

— Jim & Vickie Drendel

01/09/2026

❄️Drendel’s Corner has everything your vehicle needs to take on the cold!

Fill up the tank, grab a bottle of windshield washer fluid, pick up a snowbrush, snag a phone charger, and stock up on all the little essentials that make winter driving easier. 🚗✨

Stop by your friendly Huntley Mobil station — we’ll help you get winter-ready in no time!