Privacy Policy

Downtown Crystal Lake (“we,” “us,” or “our”)

Downtown Crystal Lake is committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information responsibly. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard information when you visit our website, make a purchase or donation, submit a form, or interact with our services.

By using our website, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, please do not use our site or services.

Information We Collect

We collect personal information that you voluntarily provide when interacting with our website, including when you:

  • Submit a contact form
  • Make a purchase through our online store
  • Make a donation
  • Sign up to volunteer
  • Sign up for events or communications

This may include:

  • Name
  • Email address
  • Phone number
  • Mailing address
  • Billing and order details
  • Donation information
  • Volunteer preferences or availability
  • Any additional information you choose to provide

We do not require account creation to use most areas of the website.

We may also collect limited technical information automatically, such as IP address, browser type, device information, and pages visited. This information helps improve website performance and security.

Contact Forms

When you submit a contact form, we collect the information you provide in order to:

  • Respond to inquiries
  • Provide information about events, programs, or services
  • Communicate regarding your request

We do not use contact form submissions for unrelated marketing unless you explicitly opt in.

Purchases (WooCommerce)

We use WooCommerce to manage online store purchases.

When you make a purchase:

  • Payment information is processed securely by a third-party payment processor
  • We do not store credit card or banking details on our website
  • We only receive order and transaction details necessary to fulfill purchases

Donations

We may accept online donations through integrated payment tools and WooCommerce systems.

When you make a donation:

  • Payment details are securely processed by a third-party provider
  • We do not store credit card or banking information
  • We may collect donor details such as name, email, and donation amount

We use this information to:

  • Process and acknowledge donations
  • Provide receipts when applicable
  • Maintain financial and legal records
  • Communicate about programs and community impact (if opted in)

Volunteer Sign-Up

When you sign up to volunteer, we collect the information you provide to:

  • Coordinate volunteer opportunities
  • Communicate schedules and event details
  • Match volunteers with appropriate activities
  • Maintain volunteer records

Volunteer information is used only for organizational purposes and is not sold or shared for marketing.

Google Analytics

We use Google Analytics to understand how visitors use our website and improve performance.

Google Analytics may collect:

  • Pages visited and time spent on the site
  • Browser and device type
  • Operating system and device settings
  • Referring websites or search terms
  • General geographic location (based on IP address)

This information is collected in aggregated and anonymized form and does not directly identify individual users.

We use this data to:

  • Monitor website traffic and usage trends
  • Improve content and navigation
  • Understand visitor engagement
  • Maintain website security and performance

Google may set cookies to collect this information. You can learn more here:
https://policies.google.com/privacy

You may opt out of Google Analytics by adjusting your browser settings, disabling cookies, or using the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.

How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

  • Respond to inquiries and messages
  • Process purchases and donations
  • Manage volunteer participation
  • Send event or organization updates (if subscribed)
  • Improve website functionality and user experience
  • Maintain security and prevent fraud

We do not sell or rent your personal information.

How We Share Your Information

We only share personal information when necessary to operate our organization, including with:

  • WooCommerce (store functionality)
  • Payment processors (for purchases and donations)
  • Volunteer and form management tools
  • Email and communication services
  • Website hosting and analytics providers
  • Legal or regulatory authorities when required

These providers only receive the information necessary to perform their services.

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to:

  • Enable core website functionality
  • Process forms, donations, and purchases
  • Analyze website traffic (Google Analytics)
  • Improve user experience

Third-party services such as payment processors and embedded tools may also set cookies when you interact with our site.

You can disable cookies in your browser settings, but some features may not function properly.

Data Retention

We retain personal information only as long as necessary to:

  • Provide services and manage transactions
  • Maintain donor and volunteer records
  • Respond to inquiries
  • Comply with legal, tax, or reporting requirements

When no longer needed, information is securely deleted or anonymized.

Data Security

We use reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information.

However, no method of transmission over the internet is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

Children’s Privacy

We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18 without appropriate consent. If we become aware of such data, we will delete it promptly.

Your Privacy Rights

You may request to:

  • Access your personal information
  • Correct or update your information
  • Request deletion of your information

To make a request, please contact us using the information provided on our website.

California Privacy Rights

If you are a California resident, you have rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and the California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA).

You may request:

  • The categories of personal information we collect
  • The categories of sources of that information
  • The business or charitable purpose for collecting or sharing it
  • The categories of third parties with whom we share it
  • Access to your personal information
  • Deletion of your personal information, subject to legal exceptions
  • Correction of inaccurate personal information

We do not sell or share your personal information for cross-context behavioral advertising or marketing purposes.

To exercise your rights, please contact us using the information on our website. We may need to verify your identity before fulfilling your request.

We will respond within the timeframe required by law.

info@downtowncl.org and we will promptly remove you from ALL correspondence.

Contacting Us

If there are any questions regarding this privacy policy, you may contact us using the information below.

Downtown Crystal Lake/Main Street
Raue House
25 W. Crystal Lake Avenue
Crystal Lake, IL 60014

Phone: 815/479-0835
Fax: 815/479-0884
Email: info@downtowncl.org

Last Updated: June 29, 2026