Looking Back at history during the week of Dec. 25, 2024

Local group Goodfellows gathered at Blumen Gardens in Sycamore on Christmas Eve to collect and distribute gifts of clothes to more than 1,400 children throughout DeKalb County. It was a record number this year, organizers said.

While the end-of-year holidays are known for bringing communities together, expert counselors say the season can be especially difficult for people who recently experienced trauma, or are going through grief or isolation.

The Sycamore Public Library’s Winter Reading Challenge is underway, a seasonal initiative to encourage bookworms of all ages.

The Genoa Area Chamber of Commerce recently welcomed Cougars to its membership.

The challenge raised $18,191 in donations.

The NIU STEAM studio's programs support DeKalb youth in learning engineering, science, math, technology and arts through homework help, mentorship and hands-on projects.

A DeKalb County area group that supports early childhood literacy is collecting book donations through the new year.

The DeKalb Park District this week announced a plan to use $600,000 in state grant money to replace old playground equipment at League of Women Voters Park, 262 Cotton Ave.