Become a Volunteer Meal Driver: Just 2 Hours a Week

Meals on Wheels for Northern Illinois

For thousands of older adults across Illinois, a knock at the door is more than just a food delivery—it is a vital lifeline. At Meals on Wheels for Northern Illinois (MOWFNI), we are dedicated to helping our senior neighbors live independently, safely, and with dignity in the homes they love. We achieve this through nutritious food, wellness checks, and the power of human connection, but we cannot do it alone. The Power of Our Volunteers Our volunteers are the heartbeat of MOWFNI. If you have just two hours a week to spare, you can make a profound difference. Delivering meals fits seamlessly into a midday routine or lunch break. As a volunteer driver, you do far more than hand over a meal; you provide a friendly smile, a warm conversation, and a crucial safety check for a senior who might not see anyone else that day. We offer flexible scheduling that allows you to volunteer weekly, monthly, or as part of a team with coworkers or friends. Our Core Programs: Home-Delivered Meals: We provide hot, dietitian-approved meals delivered directly to the doorsteps of those who cannot cook or shop for themselves. Community Cafes: Beyond home delivery, our vibrant Community Cafes offer a welcoming space for active older adults to gather, enjoy a delicious lunch, socialize, and build meaningful friendships that combat senior isolation. Make a Local Impact Today When you support or volunteer with MOWFNI, you are directly investing in the health and happiness of older adults right here in our neighborhood. Whether you are looking to give back during retirement, connect with your community, or get your local business involved in a meaningful cause, there is a place for you in our volunteer family. Join us in delivering more than a meal. Visit mowfni.org/volunteer-sign-up to fill out a brief volunteer application, or call us today to learn how you can start changing lives—one hour, one smile, and one senior at a time.

Will County

Andrea Earnest

Chicago Metropolitan Area

Bolingbrook

Illinois

For thousands of older adults across Illinois, a knock at the door is more than just a food delivery—it is a vital lifeline. At Meals on Wheels for...

PARK FOREST, ILL.—September 28, 2023—Dr. Shernita Mays, principal of the Illinois School, Park Forest (l.) and Dr. Blondean Y. Davis, superintendent, Matteson Elementary District 162, (r.) joined parents and students at the school's recent Open House to unveil a new book vending machine. " This is a wonderful new initiative to inspire literacy and encourage our students to enjoy reading—a key to lifelong learning," said Dr. Davis. Illinois School students, kindergarten through eighth grade, who demonstrate consistent good behavior will be rewarded with a special 'golden coin' which they will use to select a book of their choice to keep for their own home library, Dr. Mays explained.

PARK FOREST, ILL.—September 28, 2023—Dr. Shernita Mays, principal of the Illinois School, Park Forest (l.) and Dr. Blondean Y. Davis, superintendent, Matteson Elementary District 162, (r.) joined parents and students at the school’s recent Open House to unveil a new book vending machine.

“ This is a wonderful new initiative to inspire literacy and encourage our students to enjoy reading—a key to lifelong learning,” said Dr. Davis. Illinois School students, kindergarten through eighth grade, who demonstrate consistent good behavior will be rewarded with a special ‘golden coin’ which they will use to select a book of their choice to keep for their own home library, Dr. Mays explained.

Cook County

Lauren Traut

Chicago Heights

Matteson District 162's Illinois School...

Park Forest school unveils new book vending machine that will allow students to buy books with good behavior

Matteson District 162's Illinois School Launches Book Vending Program

Neighbor News

Homewood-Flossmoor

Oak Forest

Tinley Park

Lake County

Munster

Indiana

Frankfort

Hammond

Mokena

Lorraine Swanson

Alsip-Crestwood

Orland Park

Chicago

Beverly-MtGreenwood

The Bradford Barn - Olympia Fields

Join Becky's Warriors&nbsp;as we say goodbye to Summer and hello to Fall during our inaugural Family Fest&nbsp;fundraiser. There is something for everyone, including a Bake-Off (we're also looking for bakers AND judges), giveaways, live music, food trucks, desserts, wine tastings, inflatables, face painting, caricaturist, vendors and so much more!&nbsp;FREE entry. FREE parking. It's an event like no other, and we want you to be there!
Come celebrate with us, whether you're 1 or 100. Registration is preferred so we have enough giveaways, but walk ups are more than welcome!
Questions? Contact us at <a href="mailto:crystal@beckyswarriors.org," target="_blank">crystal@beckyswarriors.org</a> or <a href="mailto:missy@beckyswarriors.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">missy@beckyswarriors.org</a><a href="mailto:tammie@beckyswarriors.org" target="_blank"></a>.
Interested in Vending? Sign up <a href="https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/family-fest-vendor-form" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">HERE</a>.
Want to participate in the Bake-off? Register <a href="https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/family-fest-bake-off-registration" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">HERE</a>.
Want to&nbsp;Sponsor the event? More information can be found <a href="https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/family-fest-sponsorship-opportunities" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">HERE</a>.
<a href="https://www.cognitoforms.com/BeckysWarriors/BeckysWarriorsRaffleDonationForm" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">DONATE</a> a Raffle item.

Local Event: Family Fest

Family Fest

Join Becky's Warriors as we say goodbye to Summer and hello to Fall during our inaugural Family Fest fundraiser. There is...

🕯️ Bootanical Bash at Alsip Nursery
Saturday, October 17 | 6–9 PM | Ages 21+ Alsip Home &amp; Nursery
Step into the greenhouse after dark for a night of plants, potions, prizes, food, drinks, and Halloween fun! Join us for the Bootanical Bash, an adults-only evening surrounded by the eerie atmosphere of our greenhouse after dark.
Come dressed to impress, grab a drink, and get ready for a night unlike anything else at the nursery.
🍂 Your Bootanical Bash Ticket Includes:
🌱 Plant Bingo — 3 Prize Rounds Test your luck with three rounds of Plant Bingo, with plants and botanical prizes up for grabs!
🍝 SPoOoghetti Dinner Fill your plate with our spooky spin on a classic spaghetti dinner.
🍺 Three Drinks Included Each guest receives three drink tickets, redeemable for:
<ul><li>Beer</li><li>Wine</li><li>Seasonal non-alcoholic cider</li></ul>
🎃 Mini Cauldron Party Favor Every guest takes home a mini cauldron planted with String of Pearls, creating a bubbling botanical treat!
💃 Monster Mash We'll be keeping the party going with great beats that go bump in the night!
👻 Costume Contest Come dressed in your best Halloween costume for a chance to win! Prize Categories Are:
🕷️HAUNT OF THE NIGHT Scariest Costume
🍄CREATURE OF THE CONSERVATORY Best Botanical Themed Costume
👻THE WICKED GARDEN PARTY Best Group or Couple Costume
🌿 40% OFF HOUSEPLANTS Your ticket gets you access to a one-night-only 40% OFF Houseplant Sale during the event. Stock up on your favorite creepy-cool plants while you're here!
🎟️ Tickets
$40 per person 2 for $70
Space is limited, so grab your tickets and join us for a night of botanical mischief, spooky cocktails, dinner, dancing, and plants galore.
The greenhouse hits different after dark. Come see for yourself at the Bootanical Bash!

Local Event: Bootanical Bash - Bingo & Costume Contest

Bootanical Bash - Bingo & Costume Contest

🕯️ Bootanical Bash at Alsip Nursery
Saturday, October 17 | 6–9 PM | Ages 21+ Alsip Home & Nursery
Step into the greenhouse after...

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Matteson District 162's Illinois School Launches Book Vending Program

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Meals on Wheels for Northern Illinois