Drawing Makes History, Popular Parade Back: Good News, Illinois

ACROSS ILLINOIS —With news stories of surging coronavirus cases and increasing restrictions seeming to pop up everywhere, let's face it: we could all use a healthy dose of good news right about now. We at Illinois Patch created this roundup of the week's best "good news" articles to celebrate the stories that make us smile. From the return of the beloved South Side Irish Parade to a town taking steps to make reparations to Black residents, we hope these Good News, Illinois, stories brighten your day!

Community Donates 300+ Coats With Local Idea Turned Into Action

KamBri Realty, LLC and AAIS Insurance teamed up to host a coat drive Saturday at their office in Mokena.

South Side Irish Parade Will March In 2022 After Pandemic Pause

The South Side Irish Parade will return March 13 after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic. More details to come.

Boy Scout Selling Memorial Bricks For Eagle Scout Project

The scout is working to honor military members and veterans by building a walkway and place to sit outside St. Julie Billiart.

Ping-Pong Ball Draw Picks Evanston Reparations Recipient Order

Sixteen ancestors — Black people who lived in Evanston before its 1969 fair housing law— are set for $25,000 grants for home-related costs.

Lemont Teen Selected For USA Volleyball's National Team Program

April trained with the National Team Development Program at the women's Olympics training center in California from Dec. 26-30.

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.