1M Pop Tabs, Surprise Bears VIPs: Good News, Illinois

ACROSS ILLINOIS — It's time once again to look on the bright side, find the silver lining and add a bit of story-induced sunshine to your day. This week's Good News, Illinois roundup spotlights articles about how local Daisies and Brownies are doing their part to support a good cause, how a restaurant is helping three young girls after the loss of their mother and other stories of love and light.

Oak Lawn Daisies, Brownies Collect 1M Pop Tabs For Ronald McDonald House

Oak Lawn Daisies and Brownies of Troop 65782 pull together to collect 1 million pop tabs for Ronald McDonald House.

Tinley Eatery Benefit Helps Girls Of 'Beautiful Mama' Lost To Cancer

Gatto's Italian Restaurant and Bar is helping provide money for three girls whose mom, Elizabeth Curtner lost her cancer fight in October.

Breast Implants Save Life Of Man Who Needed Double-Lung Transplant

Northwestern Medicine surgeons used DD breast implants and an artificial lung to keep a man alive after removing his heavily infected lungs.

Chicago Bears Surprise Homer Glen Pediatric Cancer Survivor

Ava Perakis and her family will be VIP guests at the Bears game on Thursday.

Plainfield Student To Play Titular Character In Paramount Theatre Play

Charles Long, an Ira Jones Middle School student, found a "golden ticket" when he beat other thespians to alternate as Charlie Bucket.

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