VOLUNTEERISM

Apr 13 2026ENVIRONMENT

Clothes for Kids, Clean Earth: A Simple Swap That Helps All

In many Chicago homes, kids often go to school without a proper outfit while heaps of usable clothes end up in landfills. The city’s waste problem and the families’ need for clothing are two sides of the same coin. When a month celebrates volunteers and Earth’s health, it shows how one action

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Apr 13 2026OPINION

Remembering Two Firefighters Who Gave Everything

Two local firefighters died this month while saving others. Jeff Buck and Robert Shick Jr. worked for the Walnuttown Fire Company for decades. Buck joined at 17 and led the company for seven years. Shick started even younger, serving for over 40 years in different roles. Their deaths were sudden. A

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Apr 07 2026OPINION

Small Acts That Feed a Whole Community

In coastal Maine towns like Bath and Brunswick, scenic ocean views often steal the spotlight. Yet behind the postcard-perfect scenery lies a quieter challenge—people going without enough food. One local food program called the Veggie Van is quietly changing that by bringing fresh groceries directly

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Dec 05 2025OPINION

How Bridgestone is Changing Lives in Akron

Bridgestone Americas is making a big difference in Akron, Nashville, and Cleveland. They have teamed up with United Way to tackle serious issues like hunger and homelessness. Since 2015, they have raised over $17 million for United Way in these cities. But Bridgestone didn't stop at fundraising. Th

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Nov 11 2025LIFESTYLE

Ordinary Heroes Step Up During Government Shutdown

In the face of a prolonged government shutdown, everyday people are stepping up to fill the gaps left by disrupted federal services. This grassroots movement is not just about providing immediate relief but also about strengthening community bonds and promoting a culture of mutual support. In Pensa

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Jun 16 2025OPINION

Saratoga's Heartbeat: The Power of Volunteers

Saratoga is a city that thrives on the dedication of its volunteers. From the Saratoga Library to the lively Saratoga Nights, these events and places are the result of countless hours given by people who care deeply about their community. However, there's a growing concern: many local groups are str

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May 08 2025OPINION

Why Illinois Needs More Retired Doctors and Nurses

In Illinois, there is a pressing need for more healthcare workers. The state is facing a significant shortage of registered nurses and primary care physicians. This issue is expected to worsen in the coming years as the population ages and more healthcare professionals retire. One way to address thi

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Apr 21 2025RELIGION

Finding Strength in Chaos: A Young Person's Journey Through Passover in Ukraine

In Ukraine, a 17-year-old is navigating life in a conflict zone. Poltava has been under siege for over three years. This means constant sirens, blackouts, and the ever-present threat of bombings. School has been disrupted, friends have left, and the community has lost over 130 people in the past yea

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