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...

Come shop our fresh selections of rotating seasonal produce.

Dean’s Greens Farmstand at Boley Farm

Located on the scenic Boley Farm in Orland Park, IL, Dean's Greens is your go-to destination for fresh, locally grown plants and produce. We offer a vibrant selection of annuals, perennials, hanging baskets, vegetable plants, and finished vegetables—perfect for gardeners and food lovers alike! You’ll also find artisan breads, local organic honey, and seasonal favorites, all curated to support a healthy, sustainable lifestyle. Visit us - open 7 days a week - at 8101 W 151st St to experience friendly service, farm-fresh products, and a charming rural atmosphere.

Cook County

Lauren Traut

Orland Park

Located on the scenic Boley Farm in Orland Park, IL, Dean's Greens is your go-to destination for fresh, locally grown plants and produce. We offer...

Compassionate & Affordable Veterinary Care You Can Trust!

Premier Paws at Lockport

Premier Paws at Lockport is proud to serve the Lockport area and surrounding communities with compassionate, high-quality, low-cost veterinary care for pets at every stage of life. Your pets are family, and quality veterinary care should always be affordable. Our local clinic provides compassionate, modern care with transparent pricing and a team that truly listens. Our experienced staff focuses on personalized medicine in a welcoming environment , without the stress of unexpected costs. In addition to our everyday affordable services, we host low-cost vaccine clinics on the first Saturday of every month, making preventive care even more convenient and accessible for our community. Here are just a few of the services our new clinic offers: • Dentals • Spays/Neuters • Laser Therapy • X-Rays • Microchipping • Vaccinations We’re proud to care for your pets and are here to help them live long, healthy lives. We’re always welcoming new clients, so give us a call to schedule an appointment and experience care you can trust at a price you can feel good about. Visit us at any of our THREE locations: Premier Paws at Lockport 16935 W Bruce Road Lockport, IL 60441 708-550-7297 Premier Paws at Timberline 495 E Frontage Road Joliet, IL 60431 815-729-1555 Premier Paws at Burbank 7900 Lavergne Avenue Burbank, IL 60459 708-551-1000

Will

Lockport

Premier Paws at Lockport is proud to serve the Lockport area and surrounding communities with compassionate, high-quality, low-cost veterinary care...

Hope, healing & justice for abused children.

Will County Children's Advocacy Center

The Will County Children's Advocacy Center was founded in 1995 by State's Attorney James Glasgow to partner with multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) comprised of law enforcement, DCFS investigators, medical personnel, prosecutors, and Will County CAC forensic interviewers, family advocates, and trauma therapists in response to reports of severe physical abuse, sexual abuse, commercial exploitation, neglect, and exposure to violence of children, in Will County, IL. Our Will County CAC intake/MDT coordinator, forensic interviewers, family advocates, and trauma therapists provide the following services: * Forensic Interviews: After a child is referred to the Will County CAC by law enforcement or the IL Dept. of Family Services (DCFS), our Intake Coordinator schedules a forensic interview for the child. One of our 4 forensic interviewers listens to the child’s story and asks non-leading, developmentally-appropriate questions as the child talks about the trauma he/she has experienced. Law enforcement, prosecution, DCFS, and mental health professionals observe the interview from a separate room. This reduces trauma for the child and provides a stronger foundation if the case goes to court. * Family Advocacy: Our family advocates are committed to helping each family navigate the complex systems that a family enters when a child makes an outcry of abuse. As each case goes through the investigation, prosecution and healing process, the team is there to help the family understand the process, learn about their rights and successfully access resources that will help their family during crisis. * Trauma-Focused Therapy: Our team of licensed clinical social workers provide short-term, trauma informed therapy to children who have received a forensic interview. Since child abuse affects the whole family, the services are available at no cost to both the child and their non-offending family members. Individual and group therapy is offered in English and Spanish.

Crest Hill

The Will County Children's Advocacy Center was founded in 1995 by State's Attorney James Glasgow to partner with multidisciplinary teams (MDTs)...

LOCKPORT, IL — The Learning Step Preschool's open house will be held at the Dellwood Park Community Center on Saturday. The event, which is intended for adults only, will be held from 9 a.m. to noon at the community center, 1811 Lawrence Ave. According to the park district, registration for preschool begins on March 5 for residents and March 12 for nonresidents. The park district said the preschool's purpose is to provide an atmosphere that encourages social, emotional, physical and intellectual growth and development. You can find more information about Learning Step Preschool <a href="https://www.lockportpark.org/preschool-3/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">on the park district website.</a>

LOCKPORT, IL — The Learning Step Preschool's open house will be held at the Dellwood Park Community Center on Saturday. The event, which is intended for adults only, will be held from 9 a.m. to noon at the community center, 1811 Lawrence Ave.

According to the park district, registration for preschool begins on March 5 for residents and March 12 for nonresidents. The park district said the preschool's purpose is to provide an atmosphere that encourages social, emotional, physical and intellectual growth and development. You can find more information about Learning Step Preschool <a href="https://www.lockportpark.org/preschool-3/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">on the park district website.</a>

Homer Glen-Lockport

Learning Step Preschool Open House Planned...

The open house will be held from 9 a.m. to noon at the community center, 1811 Lawrence Ave.

Learning Step Preschool Open House Planned Saturday

Schools

Romeoville

New Lenox

John Ferak

Joliet

Lemont

Emily Rosca

Plainfield

Shorewood

Mokena

DuPage County

Woodridge

Gotion Illinois Manufacturing

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Students Earn International Scholar Award
MANTENO, IL July 16, 2026 — A group of Illinois high school and college students who spent their summer immersed in advanced battery manufacturing will soon embark on a journey halfway around the world as part of Gotion Illinois' inaugural International Scholar Award Program.
Departing Chicago on Sunday, July 19, the students, accompanied by local elementary, high school, and college STEM educators, and parents will participate in a 10-day educational, arts and cultural exchange across China. The group includes high school students from Herscher, Bradley-Bourbonnais, Clifton Central, Manteno, and Kankakee Bishop McNamara that is joinng college interns from UIUC, UIC, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Virginia Polytechnic, Wheaton, and ITT and others with degree programs ranging from engineering to business to architecture.
The trip marks the culmination of Gotion Illinois' summer internship program, which provides students with hands-on exposure to advanced battery manufacturing and clean energy technologies. Throughout the summer, participating high school and college students worked with experts at Gotion Illinois’ Manteno plant, gaining hands-on experience producing energy storage systems (ESS) and electric vehicle (EV) batteries. The internship introduced students to the wide range of careers that support advanced manufacturing, from engineering and quality control to supply chain, operations and Research and Development. The International Scholar Award Program combines workforce development, STEM education, the arts and cultural exchange, providing students with an opportunity to learn from global industry leaders while experiencing a new culture firsthand.
As a global battery technology company, Gotion Illinois created the Scholar program to help students of all majors better understand the international nature of the battery industry, and the role innovation, research, the arts and manufacturing play in advancing clean energy technologies worldwide. "The International Scholar Award reflects Gotion Illinois' commitment to investing in the next generation of innovators, engineers, and community leaders," said Mark Kruesel, Vice President of Manufacturing at Gotion Illinois. "We are proud to provide them with the opportunity to explore advanced battery manufacturing, connect with industry experts, and gain a broader perspective on the global technologies shaping their future."
Over 10 days, participants will travel through Shanghai, Nanjing, Hefei, and Beijing, where they will visit advanced manufacturing facilities, tour leading universities, engage with technology experts, and explore some of China's most renowned historical landmarks. The group will return to the United States via Guangzhou. Among the highlights of the trip are visits to the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City, and a variety of cultural, educational, and technology-focused destinations that showcase China's advancements in innovation, manufacturing, and sustainable energy. For many of the students selected, this will be their first opportunity to travel internationally and see how the technologies they studied this summer are developed and manufactured around the world. "This is a unique opportunity to see how our local community is connected to the larger world," said International Scholar Emily Lyle. Educators accompanying the delegation say the experience will have a lasting impact not only on students but also on local classrooms and communities.
“This is just our first cohort,” said Director of Public Affairs Andrew Wheeler. “We look forward to providing enough runway for full participation from all partners, including Kankakee 111 and Kankakee Area Career Center next year. Next year begins when we kick off October Manufacturing Month with Student and educator tours of the facility, and a look at local Advanced Manufacturing in a global context.”
 ###
About Gotion Illinois
Gotion Illinois is developing next-generation battery technology and advanced manufacturing solutions to support the growing demand for electric mobility and energy storage. Through partnerships with local schools, colleges, universities, and community organizations, Gotion Illinois is committed to workforce development, STEM education, and creating opportunities for future industry leaders.
Media Contact -&nbsp;Andrew Wheeler Gotion Illinois, Director of Public Affairs 
a.wheeler@gotion.com

Local Event: Students Earn International Scholar Award

Kankakee County

Manteno

Students Earn International Scholar Award

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Students Earn International Scholar Award
MANTENO, IL July 16, 2026 — A group of Illinois high school...

Joliet Iron Works Historic Site

Explore one of Joliet’s hidden historic gems during Kickin’ It at the Iron Works, a free Route 66 centennial event from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, July 17, at <a href="https://www.reconnectwithnature.org/preserves-trails/preserves/joliet-iron-works-historic-site" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Joliet Iron Works Historic Site</a>.
Once a powerhouse of America’s steel industry, this <a href="https://www.reconnectwithnature.org/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Forest Preserve District of Will County</a> site now features impressive stone foundations and a 1-mile paved walkway through the remnants of the former iron works. Forest Preserve staff will be stationed along the route to share stories about the people who worked there and the role the site played in the region’s industrial past.
Visitors can also watch a live blacksmithing demonstration, view historic photos at the preserve shelter and explore at their own pace. Stay for a quick stop or the full event.
The event is free and open to all ages. No registration is required. Parking is limited, so walking, biking or carpooling is encouraged.

Local Event: Kickin’ It At The Iron Works

Kickin’ It At The Iron Works

Explore one of Joliet’s hidden historic gems during Kickin’ It at the Iron Works, a free Route 66 centennial event from 4 to 7...

Quality Inn - Georgios Banquets

Dig through 40 dealer tables featuring a massive selection of Rock, Blues, Pop, Country, and Jazz vinyl, plus cassettes, CDs, and music memorabilia. General admission is just $3.00 with kids attending for free, or get early bird access with a $10.00 preview at 7:30 A.M.

Local Event: Orland Park Record Collectors Show

Orland Park Record Collectors Show

Dig through 40 dealer tables featuring a massive selection of Rock, Blues, Pop, Country, and Jazz vinyl, plus cassettes, CDs,...

Annunciation Byzantine Church

Get inspired as you tour seven beautiful and unique gardens throughout the Homer Glen area during this rain-or-shine annual event hosted by the Homer Glen Junior Woman's Club. Tickets are $16 in advance or $20 at the door, with proceeds benefiting local charities and a special opportunity for professional garden portrait sessions.

Local Event: Homer Glen Garden Walk

Homer Glen Garden Walk

Get inspired as you tour seven beautiful and unique gardens throughout the Homer Glen area during this rain-or-shine annual...

White Oak Library District: Lockport Branch

Get ready, fandom lovers! Lockport’s 10th Annual Comic and Fandom Con is leveling up again this year with over 60 artists, writers, and specialty vendors offering exclusive merch you won’t find anywhere else—all at budget-friendly prices. Show off your best cosplay for a chance to win cash prizes, rock out to live music, laugh it up with an improv group, and catch insights at the artist panel. Plus, there’s a scavenger hunt, a themed photo booth, and yes—zombies! This is your ultimate fandom adventure—don’t miss it!&nbsp;
Swag bags for the first 500 attendees. Follow your fandoms at this FREE show presented by the White Oak Library District and the Lockport Council of Arts.&nbsp;
121 E 8th Street, Lockport IL. Find out more at <a href="https://whiteoaklibrary.org/comicopolis" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">COMICOPOLIS.ORG</a> and on Facebook at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/7676315335818212" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">comicopolislockport</a>.&nbsp;

Local Event: Comicopolis

Comicopolis

Get ready, fandom lovers! Lockport’s 10th Annual Comic and Fandom Con is leveling up again this year with over 60 artists,...

The Family Fun Festival is an EXCLUSIVE event staged by, Including You Inc.&nbsp;Including You, Inc., here in Joliet is a 501 C3 not-for-profit, charitable fundraising organization. Including You assist other non-for-profit community service based organizations reaching out to our communities, providing such needed assistance.
Tickets are on sale @ $10 admission ($15 @door)

Contact us at: Including you Inc. PO Box 3162 Joliet IL 60434-3162Website: &nbsp; https://www.includingyouinc.org
Phone: 815-272-0782 Email: includingyouinc@icloud.com

Local Event: Family Fun Festival 

Family Fun Festival 

 
The Family Fun Festival is an EXCLUSIVE event staged by, Including You Inc. Including You, Inc., here in Joliet is a 501 C3...

Morris Plaza, 100 West Commercial Dr. (behind Walgreens)-Morris, IL

On
Sunday July 19th Junk in the Trunk Morris will hold an
outdoor flea market at our Morris Plaza home. A large selection of
items is expected to be offered for sale from 9AM until 3PM at the
Morris Plaza, 100 West Commercial Drive in Morris. The location is
behind Walgreens and a block west of Division Street (IL Rt 47). If
you would like to be a vendor in Morris on July 19th, or
at any of our upcoming events in Morris, Gardner or Mazon it is not
too late as advance registration is not required. Simply arrive at
8AM, pay the $15 vendor fee, and take an available spot. Vendors with
small trailers are welcome without an additional charge, and there is
no admission fee for shoppers. Proceeds from vendor fees received at
this event will be donated to Grundy Area Public Action to Deliver
Shelter (PADS). Junk in the Trunk Morris would like to thank the
Morris Department of Public Works for providing trash receptacles at
this event. Additional information about Junk in the Trunk Morris is
available on Facebook or contact event manager George Bennett,
630-319-0289 or <a href="mailto:morrissale@yahoo.com">morrissale@yahoo.com</a>.

Local Event: Junk in the Trunk Morris Flea Market

Channahon-Minooka

Junk in the Trunk Morris Flea Market


On
Sunday July 19th Junk in the Trunk Morris will hold an
outdoor flea market at our Morris Plaza home. A large selection...

Free Scrap Metal Pickup. We Pick up: All Appliances, Farm Equipment, Garden Tractors, Snowmobiles, Automotive(all car related parts), Furnaces,Nuts, Bolts, Nails, Screws&hellip;if it&rsquo;s Metal we&rsquo;ll take it away for you. If you&rsquo;re wondering if we can take a particular item just give us a call and ask. For Free Pickup please call Brian @ 815-210-8819

Free Scrap Metal Pickup

Free Scrap Metal Pickup. We Pick up: All Appliances, Farm Equipment, Garden Tractors, Snowmobiles, Automotive(all car related parts), Furnaces,Nuts...

Joliet Criminal Defense Attorney Will Take Over...

Honiotes has represented high-profile defendants including the grade school janitor facing child porn charges.

Joliet Criminal Defense Attorney Will Take Over Will County Public Defender's Office

Politics & Government

Celebrate Route 66's Centennial With Kickin' It...

See live blacksmith demonstrations, historic photos and learn the stories of the people who lived, worked and traveled this iconic corridor.

Celebrate Route 66's Centennial With Kickin' It Program At Joliet Iron Works

Community Corner

The Quiet Side of Summer for Older Adults

Loneliness among older adults can be easy to miss because it does not always look like sadness. 

🌱 Patch AM: How a proposed water rate hike...

And on the Homer Glen Patch calendar - Students Earn International Scholar Award

🌱 Patch AM: How a proposed water rate hike could hit Homer Glen families

Big Boy No. 4014 Will Travel Through Lockport,...

The train will not stop in Lockport or Joliet, but will travel through on its way to Dwight.



Big Boy No. 4014 Will Travel Through Lockport, Joliet Friday On Its Coast-To-Coast Tour

Homer Glen Resident Publishes Second Book

Gawlak said "When You Dream of Apple Pie," is a story about a father's love expressed through baking a pie.

Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition

Schools

Learning Step Preschool Open House Planned Saturday

The open house will be held from 9 a.m. to noon at the community center, 1811 Lawrence Ave.

Andrea Earnest, Patch Staff

Find out what's happening in Homer Glen-Lockportfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

More from Homer Glen-Lockport

Obituary: Mary Ann Hill (nee Hutton)

Celebrate Route 66's Centennial With Kickin' It Program At Joliet Iron Works

A Connection Across Generations

Students Earn International Scholar Award

Kickin’ It At The Iron Works

Orland Park Record Collectors Show

Homer Glen Garden Walk

Comicopolis

Family Fun Festival

Junk in the Trunk Morris Flea Market

Free Scrap Metal Pickup

Meals on Wheels for Northern Illinois

Dean’s Greens Farmstand at Boley Farm

Premier Paws at Lockport

Will County Children's Advocacy Center

Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition

Learning Step Preschool Open House Planned Saturday

The open house will be held from 9 a.m. to noon at the community center, 1811 Lawrence Ave.

Andrea Earnest, Patch Staff<img alt="Verified Patch Staff Badge" class="styles-module-scss-module__AKw7-a__Badge" src="https://patch.com/img/cdn/assets/layout/badges/verified-patch-staff.svg"/>

Find out what's happening in Homer Glen-Lockportfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Andrea Earnest, Patch Staff