Benefit Sunday to Help Cover Mauled Dog's Medical Expenses

The shepherd-mix was viciously mauled on Christmas Eve.

First Ailing Illinoisan Learns He'll Get a Medical Marijuana License

Army vet Jim Champion has multiple sclerosis.

Troy Township Seniors Support Restoration Christian Church's School Supply Drive

Backpacks, pencils and more were distributed over the weekend.

1,200-Gallon ALS Ice Bucket Challenge

Ozinga concrete mixer delivers big for mother and son in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.

11 Years After 'Heaven,' What Life is Like for the Burpo Family

The movie, in stores July 22, is about a real-life boy who says he went to Heaven and met Jesus during surgery. We spoke with the family behind the film about how it can help start a discussion in your town.

24 Amazing Ways Residents Inspire Their Communities

Patch readers told us who the "Everyday Inspirations" in their communities are, and we're sharing their stories and the work they've done locally.

Everyday Inspirations: Incredible Ways People Give Back Locally

Patch readers told us who the "Everyday Inspirations" in their communities are, and we're sharing their stories and the work they've done locally.

Local Nonprofit Launches With Room Makeover For Boy With Leukemia

New nonprofit group Team Make a Difference expects to complete a second room makeover before the year is out.

'Coupon Queen' Gets $800 Grocery Bill Down to $7, Gives Savings Away

A New York woman is so good at bargain shopping that she's used her skills to donate groceries and other goods to charity. Learn how you can follow her lead locally.

Charitable Children: 'No Matter What Age You May Be, You Can Change the Life of Another'

As a part of our "Everyday Inspirations" series, we look at how children across the country are making big impacts locally.

Harp Healing: Woman Uses Music Therapy to Help Hospital Patients

After losing three people close to her in eight months, Edie Elkan picked up a harp for the first time in 28 years. Now she runs a program training others to play the instrument for patients in hospitals.

Nominate 'Everyday Inspirations' in Your Town

Patch wants to share stories about people who work every day to change others' lives for the better.

Win Tickets to See Disney On Ice

Patch and Disney on Ice will give away five family packs of four tickets each to the show of your choice. Enter to win through Jan. 20.

2014 Resolution: Love Your Imperfections

These animals have it all figured out.

Cardinal Francis George Marks 50 Years as a Catholic Priest

Leader of the Chicago Archdiocese reflects on his life and his service to the church.

Have You Ever Given Your Kid a 'Terrible' Christmas Present?

Is this dad a jerk or a prankster? What a terrible gift. (Unless you're a Packers fan.)

Lewis Students Raise Nearly $7,500 for Advocate Children's Hospital in Radio Marathon

Romeoville's David Ridderhoff stayed on the air for 30 hours during Lewis University's "To Kill a DJ" marathon on WLRA Radio.

Man Steals from Coffee Shop—and You’ll Never Guess What Happened Next

Who says the punishment always has to fit the crime?

Second Grader’s “Buddy Bench” Goes Viral

Christian Bucks’ idea to foster friendship spreads to 32 states—and counting.

'The Blues Brothers' Shopping Mall Chase Scene As You've Never Seen It Before — in Legos

You'll watch this a couple of times with a smile on your face. Quite the homage to a quintessential piece of Chicago lore and Southland history.

Forest Preserve District Wins Award for Textile Recycling

The district was able to collect 44,278 pounds of clothes and shoes for reuse and recycling in 2012 by setting up 21 recycling bins around the county.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Unveils New Mentor Recruiting Effort

Three area barbershops have joined forces on "Grooming Men of the Future," an initiative to find more men to become volunteers.

The Week's Best Good News: A Winning Wedding, 26 Days of Kindness and More

Here's our roundup of the most uplifting and feel-good stories from Patch towns across the country.

Tornado Debris Travels 100 Miles — and Sparks Act of Kindness

A Washington, Illinois, family lost two homes to Sunday’s deadly storm, but a thoughtful act by a Plainfield South grad is bringing them joy.

Comedian to People Without Kids: YOU HAVE NO IDEA

Joliet West Prevails, Named 'Flyover Favorite' by ABC 7

It didn't look like it was in the cards early on, but school supporters rallied the troops all afternoon and beat Downers Grove North.

The Week's Best Good News: School Named 'Flyover Favorite' By ABC 7

Here's our roundup of the most uplifting and feel-good stories from Patch.

Plainfield Business Offers Boost to 'Westyn's Wish' Toy Drive

Donate a toy ($20 retail value or more) and get a free mini photo session at Alexander Photography.

Parenting Lessons: Year One

"Is she warm enough? Is she too warm? Is she still breathing??" These are examples of the thoughts racing through the mind of a new parent.

Butterball Turkey Hotline Helps Home Cooks Conquer Thanksgiving

Fifty turkey experts will answer questions on meal prep and turkey emergencies this holiday season.

How to Order Butterbeer at Starbucks

It's not on the menu, but customers can give baristas a special recipe that will produce a drink similar to the beverage enjoyed by the fictional witches and wizards from the Harry Potter books.

Baby Born at 10 a.m. on 11/12/13 — and More Good News

Good reads and good people: Fighting bullies and cancer. Rescuing a beloved dog. Forgiving the men who robbed you. Losing the lottery and winning.

JJC Students Holding Artisan Jewelry Sale Thursday

Handmade earrings, bracelets, necklaces and other items made by Joliet Junior College metalsmithing students will be featured at the sale.

Troy Heritage Joining 'Stack Up' to Break Guinness Record

On Thursday, schools all over the world -- including Joliet -- will be taking part in the “World’s Largest Sport Stacking Event.”

Dogs, Cats Available for Adoption Via JJC Vet Tech Program

All animals available for adoption cost only $35, are up to speed on vaccinations and have been spayed/neutered.

Nation Says Thank You to Veterans: Trending on Twitter

See how people are thanking veterans around the country.

Two JJC Buildings Achieve LEED Gold Standard

The certification is awarded based on a "building’s sustainable qualities, water efficiency, energy, atmosphere, materials and resources used, and indoor environmental qualities."

'Men Who Cook' Calendar to Benefit Children's Advocacy Center

The $10 calendar features photos from the 2013 Men Who Cook competition and Jackson, the advocacy center's therapy dog.

The Week's Best Good News

Here's our roundup of the most uplifting and feel-good stories from Patch towns across the country.

Boy Wins Special Olympics Contest by Saluting Autistic Sister in Essay

Justin Grammer, of Joliet, says his sister is his "hero" because she overcame her fear of swimming to become a Special Olympics aquatics gold medalist.