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Mom & Daughter Marathoners, Students Give Back: Good News, Illinois

See which recent Illinois Patch stories filled our hearts with joy.

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In less than a month, Ollina Thompson said, the community collected 273 backpacks and more than 3,500 donated school items (via Nina Thompson)

September 22 marked the first day of fall. As we say farewell to summer and ease into the school year, we're celebrating good news stories that spotlight local high school students, an uplifting new museum exhibit and a chance to make your pet's Halloween costume Patch famous.

LTHS Senior's Community-Wide Project Collects Hundreds Of Backpacks

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LTHS student Ollina Thompson had the idea for Hope On Their Shoulders a few weeks before the school year started.

Culinary Students Serve Food At Joliet Fire Department's First Survivors Recognition Ceremony

The students represent the culinary arts program at Joliet West High School, part of a Career and Technical Education pathway program.

Show Us Your Spooky Pets: Share Your Halloween Photos With Patch

Got a costumed cat, festive pup or frightfully cute furry friend? Send us your Halloween pet photos for a chance to be featured.

Kohl Children's Museum To Open Permanent 'Roots Of Kindness' Exhibit

The Glenview museum's new hands-on exhibit will help young children explore gratitude, respect and empathy through play and storytelling.

Evanston Mom, Daughter Train To Tackle Chicago Marathon Together

The Evanston family says the marathon effort is about inclusion, visibility and celebrating people with disabilities.

Want to celebrate someone or something that made you smile? Have a Good News, Illinois, story of your own you'd like us to feature? Email lisa.farver@patch.com.

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