The home of a Kendall County nonprofit that specializes in giving foster kids a second chance is getting a second life itself with substantial renovations.

The Grand Parade, traditionally held during Geneva’s premier festival, Swedish Days, won’t take place this year.

The Gathering of the Green attracted hundreds of John Deere collectors and enthusiasts from numerous states and several countries for the four-day event that featured workshops, tours and a vendor area packed with treasures.

Dedicated by one of St. Charles' most famous sons and biggest philanthropists in 1926, the Baker Community Center turns 100 this year, which will be marked with a May 1 celebration.

A wrapper or cigarette butt might seem small, but multiplied across blocks of sidewalks, it reshapes how a downtown feels. Once a month from March to October, volunteers step up to change that in Sterling, cleaning it up and building friendships in the process.

Members of the civic group, Hands on Oregon, pitched in to help prepare for the annual Oregon Woman’s Club Antique Fair held recently at the Blackhawk Center on the Oregon Junior/Senior High School Campus in Oregon.

For the last 24 years, Habitat for Humanity of Ogle County volunteers have worked tirelessly to bring critical housing solutions to residents of Ogle County.

Local youths interested in rabbits and small animal care are invited to participate in an upcoming 4-H rabbit workshop. The workshop will be held from 10 a.m. to noon April 18 in the Rabbit Barn at the Lee County Fairgrounds.

The organization hosts the communal meals every Friday during Lent from 4 to 7 p.m. at the American Legion Hall, 9054 E. Veterans Parkway, in Yorkville.

Across Kendall County, Meals on Wheels also served 8,713 “cafe meals” in fun social settings to older adults in places like the Beecher Center in Yorkville and the Oswegoland Senior and Community Center.

The city of Yorkville took a moment to show appreciation to the Yorkville American Legion and the Knights of Columbus for the volunteering work both organizations do throughout the community.

The Teen Turf program, which emphasizes homework, serves students in third grade through high school and runs Monday through Thursday – anywhere from 20 to 40 students attend each day.

Three new recipients received Spirit of St. Charles Awards recently for what Mayor Clint Hull called exemplifying traits like leadership and compassion that tie the community together. Those honored included Lazarus House, for providing shelter and aid to those in need.

The event begins at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10, in the Windmill Cultural Center at 111 10th Ave. in Fulton. Those attending will hear the thoughts of these new owners/operators on how to build a business amid today’s economic atmosphere.

The bitter winter months can be a challenging time for families to get by. Following the holiday rush, food pantries often see a dip in donations just when folks need it most. At the Kendall County Community Food Pantry in Yorkville, staff says families need consistent donations.

A dedicated group of volunteers have kept Langham Island alive and vibrant for more than a decade. It's resulted in the resurgence of rare plants to the unique island on the Kankakee River.

UCP-Center for Disability Services founder – Mel Larsen of Joliet (deceased) – had no connection to anyone with a disability or cerebral palsy.

Volunteers are needed for the Forest Preserve District of Will County’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service events.

Space is limited and registration required. Forest Preserve District volunteer morning programs are held from 9 a.m. to noon and are for ages 10 and older.

Hollywood Casino Joliet’s Gala Giveaway is valued at $60,000.

The Kiwanis Club of Joliet swore in new officers this month as it prepares for its 106th year in the community.

This is the third year United Way of Grundy County is participating in the Herald Angels campaign.

During the ceremony, volunteers will lay remembrance wreaths on the graves of over 150 veterans while saying each veteran’s name aloud.

Leaf River Soaring Eagles 4-H Club members donated some nonperishable food and a check to Loaves and Fish Food Pantry.

Four years after Sauk Valley Community College launched its earned-tuition program, the community is noticing its impact on volunteerism.

Students taking part in Sauk Valley Community College's Impact Program volunteered to prepare and box food Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025, for the Path to the Future program.

The city of Rock Falls is excited to kick off the sixth annual holiday light display Friday, Nov. 28, 2025, at Centennial Park.

The Kankakee County Relay for Life event far exceeded its 2025 goal earlier this year as contributions have come in at $255,215.

United Way of Whiteside County is launching an emergency weekend meals program beginning Friday, Nov. 14, 2025, to support school-age children affected by the ongoing SNAP benefit pause.

Marine veteran Steve Schuler, 77, of Peotone considers his current service with the memorial squads in Elwood and Wilmington as part of his overall service to the United States.

The group promotes and advances the welfare of Saint Joseph Medical Center in Joliet by hosting fundraising events.

Associates from the Dixon Walmart recently dedicated time and energy to support the Hope Cancer Wellness Center at 1637 Plock Drive in Dixon.

Dixon Public Schools is searching for its next superintendent and is looking for community volunteers to help in the selection process. Want to help choose the best candidate? Here's how you can get involved.

Lee County volunteers were recognized at the 2025 University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener Conference for their outstanding contributions to projects such as the Lee County Jr. Garden and Kids in the Kitchen program.

Volunteers can help maintain lakes and creeks at Will County forest preserves during a the National Public Lands Day observation on Saturday, Sept. 27.

Dozens of volunteers spent Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, cleaning and supporting a number of sites as part of the United Way of Lee County & United Way of Ogle County's Day of Caring.

The honorees include two groups from Franklin Grove and Dixon recognized for their vital roles in conserving and maintaining Franklin Creek State Natural Area.

In art imitating life, a new mural coming to Batavia will tout “A City of Good Energy,” and community members are invited to help paint the south wall of The Comedy Vault.

Tim Carlin now is a member of the Joliet Certified Emergency Response Team, a corps of volunteers trained and ready to help when disaster strikes.

This annual half-day volunteer extravaganza will bring together friends, families, coworkers and neighbors to complete more than 20 service projects across Lee and Ogle counties.

The new Joliet Certified Emergency Response Team is developing a group of bilingual members to reach out to Spanish-speaking residents.

WCC is hosting a coffee for new volunteers at 2:30 p.m. Aug. 13 at the center, 111 10th Ave., Fulton.

Camp MOSH, a week-long volunteer service camp from Maternity BVM parish, got busy last week helping those in need around the Kankakee County community.

In the past week, American Red Cross volunteers responded to 29 home fires across suburban Chicago communities – including Joliet and Crest Hill – providing support to 145 people.

The Forest Preserve District of Will County offers a range of opportunities that allow volunteers to contribute their time, energy and skills at various programs.

Gathering with family and friends at the Montgomery Village Hall, the Volunteer of the Year Recognition was about sharing a special moment to give back to the seven individuals and one nonprofit who have provided so much to the community.

The Bicentennial Bluffs Neighborhood Association in Joliet will hold its a annual spring community cleanup. Volunteers will meet at 10 a.m. Saturday at the St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church gym.

Joliet's new Certified Emergency Response Team starts with 28 volunteers from various walks of life ready to stop in when first responders need help.

ShareFest Will County will be offering a free food drive-thru service on Saturday, for pre-registered attendees. Volunteers needed.

The recipients of the Volunteer of the Year Awards will be honored and receive recognition by the Village of Montgomery Board, at the Monday, June 23 meeting at Village Hall.