The devastating wildfires that swept through the Los Angeles area last week, fueled by powerful winds and severe drought conditions, have taken the lives of at least 27 people, destroyed thousands of structures, and forced mass evacuations. The Palisades Fire alone has consumed over 23,000 acres and damaged or destroyed more than 5,300 structures, while […]
Before the big game kicks off this Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025, you can make a big impact and help save lives at one of Chicagoland’s largest American Red Cross blood drives. Hosted at Saints Joseph and Francis Xavier Parish in Wilmette, IL, the Kevin Joseph Smith Burke Blood Drive is celebrating its 10th […]
Every day, the American Red Cross is on the front lines, helping communities in need and bringing hope, comfort and care to those facing their darkest moments. As the interim CEO of the American Red Cross of Illinois, I’ve witnessed firsthand the life-changing impact of our work. That’s why this year’s 13th Annual Day of […]
This post was submitted as part of our “You Said It” program.” Your voice, ideas, and engagement are important to help us accomplish our mission. We encourage you to share your ideas and efforts to make the world a better place by submitting a “You Said It.” What if as individuals we embrace the task of […]
Members of the military and their families make tremendous sacrifices on behalf of our country. Yet when they return home, many face challenges like homelessness, unemployment, medical expenses, mental health conditions, and financial difficulties. According to Statista, as of 2022, there were about 16.2 million veterans in the United States. Of that number, approximately 235,000 […]
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 […]
I am approaching the 27th anniversary of my breast cancer diagnosis. And while I have remained cancer-free, it’s been quite a ride. I am also approaching the 3rd anniversary of my preventative mastectomy and removal of my ovaries. Why the surgeries, might you ask, if I was cancer-free? In 1997, following a routine mammogram, I […]
Hurricane Helene carved a path of destruction across nearly 500 miles of the U.S. Southeast. The storm first hit landfall on Sept. 26 as a Category 4 storm. Despite weakening as it moved inland, Helene’s impact reached at least 800 miles into Tennessee and North Carolina. Early estimates show at least 130 people dead, more […]
Charity may begin at home, but it doesn’t have to stay there. Galas for good causes nationwide can give you an even better reason to pack your bags than wanderlust.
Nearly every Saturday, 11-year-old Brody wakes up early, not to scroll on his phone and watch YouTube videos, but rather to volunteer alongside his parents and siblings. Brody is one of many children in Chicagoland who steps up to address pressing challenges in our communities, such as poverty, food insecurity, and homelessness. According to Illinois […]
