Undefeated Orators, Survivor Plays Santa: Good News, Illinois

ILLINOIS — As the final days of 2024 dwindle away, it's even more important to pause and feel gratitude for those little nuggets of good news that are happening all around us. This week, we admire an unstoppable speech and debate team, learn about a cancer survivor who's giving back and appreciate other uplifting articles from throughout Illinois Patch.

Moraine Valley Speech And Debate Team Unstoppable In Fall Season

Moraine Valley Speech and Debate Team posts undefeated in fall season, taking first place at four competitions.

From Bar To Bedside: Cancer Survivor Brings Toys To Kids At Emergency Room During Holidays

Darin Ortman, manager of a Lincoln Square bar, collected toys and delivered them to kids at Swedish Hospital for the seventh year in a row.

Maple School's Art of Giving Connects Students With Community Service

As part of the annual program, this year students worked with Gigi's Playhouse, which works with people with Down syndrome.

Over $3K Donated To Doodlebug Workshop Through DCSO Autism Patches

The Wheaton-based facility, which provides vocational training for residents with disabilities, plans to buy laser cutting machines.

Unbearably Festive Pet Photos From Illinois Patch Readers

We've got cats in bows, dogs in antlers, lizards in festive robes in this year's roundup of the Illinois Patch Holiday Pet Pics!

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.