Stories that Warmed Our Hearts in 2012

News reflects life, and life has its difficulties.

But life also has triumphs, and great deeds done by people who remind us the world still hasn’t gone completely crazy.

We created a section solely for such acts, called Orland Park Patch’s Greatest People.

If you know of any efforts around the area, and not just in Orland Park, that you think would be a great addition to our roster, don’t hesitate to contact me at benjamin@patch.com. 

Now, take a look back at a handful of these efforts, and keep them in mind as we begin 2013, hopefully on the right foot.

Orland Park Church Makes a Difference for Homeless Before Holidays

Over 40 volunteers from the Orland Park Christian Reformed Church spent a day serving homeless women and children from Roseland and Chicago Heights.

D135 Students Stuff Stockings for Children Spending Christmas in Hospital

A class of 5th graders at Meadow Ridge School in Orland Park made sure that patients at Hope Children’s Hospital would have fun on the holiday during their stays.

Salon Donates Extensions to Woman Who Lost Hair After Chemo

Niki Costello received about $1,500 in hair treatments from Jeffrey LaMorte Salon in Orland Park, after chemotherapy as part of treatment for multiple sclerosis led to total hair loss.

Neighbors Honored for Alerting Family That House was on Fire

Eileen and Dwight Burnson were not aware that their gas line caught fire until Tom and Janice Hart called, helping them and their son Eric escape unscathed.

Orland Park Woman 'Empowers' By Training Others for Triathlons

MJ Slikas owns Tri Smart Coaching and organizes group workout activities with the regional Team Tri Smart, to help people overcome obstacles to participate in and complete triathlons.

Sandburg and Stagg Football Saying Thanks to Veterans During Game

District 230 bragging rights might be at stake for tonight’s football game, but the players, coaches, band musicians and attendees will also be supporting our local service men and women.

A Lifelong Volunteer’s Love for Caring

Orland Park resident Rose Walsh has spent decades helping others, starting with her father, who was often sick throughout her childhood. If you ask her, she says she is the one who reaps the benefits.

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