Winter Coats Help Keep Kids in School: Cradles to Crayons Tackles Clothing Insecurity With 50,000 Coats for Chicago Students

Anyone living in the Chicago area knows winter weather can be brutal — even with the right gear. But many Chicago students lack sufficient winter outerwear, and this can mean the difference between walking safely to school and staying home. To provide Chicago children with warm winter essentials, Cradles to Crayons Chicago hosted its 9th […]

Is My Child Gifted? Expert Advice on Signs, Tests and Next Steps

In 1996, I wrote a book called Gifted Children: Myths and Realities, and ever since then parents have written to me either to say “You described my child exactly!” or to ask “How can I tell if my child is gifted?” Most parents want to think of their children as gifted. Most teachers want to […]

Giving Tuesday 2024: Where to Donate

The holiday season invites us to reflect, express gratitude, and transform it into meaningful action. Giving Tuesday, observed this year on December 3, is more than a single day of generosity — it’s a global movement encouraging us to make a lasting impact through intentional giving. Established in 2012 by New York City’s 92nd Street […]

31 Best Things to Do in Chicago and the Suburbs in December 2024

Celebrate the magic of the season in Chicago with a packed lineup of can’t-miss holiday events. From the Joffrey Ballet’s The Nutcracker and Goodman Theatre’s A Christmas Carol to festive markets, dazzling light displays, and unique pop-ups, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re indulging in traditions like Illumination: Tree Lights at Morton Arboretum’s or checking […]

Birth Parent Support Improves Adoption Outcomes: On Your Feet Foundation Raises $65K for Vital Programs

For birth parents who choose adoption, finding a community that understands their journey can be transformative. On Your Feet Foundation provides that space — one where birth parents are met with empathy, lifelong support, and resources that empower them to move forward with confidence. As the only secular, independent organization in the U.S. dedicated to […]

'She Helped Me Be the Mom I Wanted to Be': Help Nurse-Family Partnership Provide Life-Changing Support to Families

When Al-Nisa found out she was pregnant during her senior year of college, she faced overwhelming challenges. Newly married, in an abusive relationship, and without health insurance, she feared not just for herself, but for her unborn child — and she needed help. That help came in the form of her Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) nurse. “Just […]

Matching Grant Fuels Metropolitan Family Services’ 2024 Mpower the Night Gala, Boosting Support of Chicago Families

Since its founding in 1857 as The Chicago Relief Aid Society, Metropolitan Family Services has become a cornerstone of support for families across Chicago, offering vital resources that empower individuals to overcome life’s greatest challenges. Whether helping a single mother access childcare while she pursues a college degree or guiding a family through the legal […]

Sustainable Travel: Disney Cruise Line’s Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point

As travelers become more eco-conscious, they are looking for destinations that provide more than just stunning beaches and a break from reality — they’re seeking experiences that are mindful, sustainable, and aligned with their values. Enter Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, Disney Cruise Line’s new private island retreat on the Bahamian island of Eleuthera. […]