Immigrant Living Dream, Band Heads To Parade: Good News, Illinois

ACROSS ILLINOIS — The holidays are right around the corner, and we could all use a healthy dose of good news to warm us up as winter heads in. We at Illinois Patch created this roundup of the week's best "good news" articles to celebrate the stories that make us smile. From an immigrant who is living her dream, to a local marching band that's heading to the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade, we hope these Good News, Illinois, stories brighten your day!

Immigrant 'Who Started At Bottom Excited Her Dream Came True'

Joliet Patch captured several photos of Friday's grand opening for Korinna Hernandez's new Joliet tamale restaurant at 30 Ohio St.

Highland Park Renaissance Teen To Represent Team USA In Karate

The third-generation black belt took 3rd at national karate championships, raised thousands for food banks and works for a STEM nonprofit.

2,500 Families To Receive Thanksgiving Meals At Aurora Drive-Thru

The drive-thru event is in its second year and this time, families will also receive an added household box with items from The Home Depot.

Time To Shine For LW Marching Band At Macy's Thanksgiving Parade

The Lincoln-Way Marching Band is participating in the nationally televised parade Thursday.

CITGO Lemont Refinery Raises $183K For United Way Of Will County

The money was raised during the annual CITGO workplace campaign by more than 570 CITGO employees, the business said.

Tinley Park Looks For Artists For Annual 'Benches On The Avenue'

The theme of the 19th annual art exhibition will be 'Animal Adventure,' village officials said. Applications are due by Jan. 28.

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.