Donations Needed: Thursday is ‘April Food Day’ Across the Region

The annual United Way food donation event will span six counties across northern Illinois.

Within the past five years, local food pantries estimate the need for food and toiletries has more than doubled.  In effort to help combat increasing local hunger, United Way of Metropolitan Chicago (UWMC) is hosting a massive food drive Thursday, April 18, to help restock local food pantries across six counties: Cook, Will, Kane, McHenry, DuPage and Lake. That includes the one at Together We Cope. YOUR TURN: Check the UWMC website for a full list of requested items  All are welcome to take part in this regional effort to help those in need. Anyone can drop off donations of non-perishable food or toiletries from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Southland dropoff point, Lincoln Mall 208 Lincoln Mall Drive, Matteson, IL 60443. READ: Southland …

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Donated Space Gives 'Together We Cope' Room to Grow

Together We Cope will be expanding in the near future, after a supporter donated 3,100 square feet of space. Together We Cope could move into the new space as early as March.

It's a far cry from the garage in which Together We Cope started 31 years ago. The Tinley Park-based nonprofit recently received a generous gift and soon will expand into an additional 3,100 square feet of space, donated by Tinley Park CPA Ray Busch. The new space, located at 17728 Oak Park Avenue, includes office space, a small kitchen area and a large central room that the organization hopes to utilize as administrative offices and client meeting space. Busch chose Together We Cope, he said, because he knew the organization would actually use the space, instead of selling it. The organization's role in the community was also a factor in his decision. “They're doing something worthwhile,” Busch said. “They're feeding the hungry and …

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Ways to Give Back for the Holidays

Patch has compiled a short list of different charitable efforts around Orland Park, Tinley Park and Oak Forest.

Together We Cope Provides Christmas for Local Kids in Need

The organization which serves families across the southwest suburbs says need is increasing.

Together We Cope and its Adopt a Child program hopes to create Christmas smiles for nearly 1,800 local children this holiday season. Instead of empty stockings, these children will be able to unwrap gifts given to them by strangers who care. In these ongoing difficult economic times, Together We Cope turns to the communities it serves and asks for help. In turn they help individuals and families in need in four townships: Bremen, Orland, Palos and Worth. The communities they serve include Orland Park, Orland Hills and 24 other nearby towns. When it comes to the annual gift drive the sponsors have been generous, according to Margaret Seltzner, communications manager at Together We Cope. The Adopt a Child program brings together children who…

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Ways to Give Back for the Holidays

Patch has compiled a short list of different charitable efforts around Orland Park, Tinley Park and Oak Forest.

As the holiday spirit settles over the Southland, several annual food, toy and monetary charitable efforts are kicking into high gear to help the less fortunate this holiday season. We've rounded up several holiday drives in Oak Forest, Orland Park and Tinley Park that could use your help this season. Let us know of others in the comments. Orland Township Adopt-a-Family The “Adopt-a-Family” program is designed to enhance the holiday season for the less fortunate families in Orland Township by providing food, new toys and clothing. Whether a sponsor selects a small or a large family, it's certain they'll brighten someone's holiday season. The program is a popular idea among businesses, churches and school and social groups. If you're …

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Ben Feldheim

9:02 pm on Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Thanks Patrick.   more ›

Photos: Editors on 'Tour de Patch' Bring Giveaways, Games to Tinley Park

Green-clad men and women were spotted all around Tinley Park on Wednesday afternoon as Patch editors roamed the streets to pass out gifts galore.

Our Patch fans never cease to amaze us. You are enthusiastic, passionate and kind—everything we hope we are to you. Villagers' friendly traits were more obvious than ever Wednesday afternoon when all the Southland Patch editors descended on Tinley Park, blanketing the village with free goodies and secret contests. We handed out five gift cards to those who knew the secret word, "Zabrocki," and gave away almost 250 free T-shirts. Many of you got water bottles, magnets, balloons, coloring sheets and other Patchy schwag. We ask that you wear it proudly and spread the Patch word to your friends. We're here for you! We live by a strict "more the merrier" policy. We're also taking this opportunity to give a hearty shoutout to the wonderful staff…

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Carrie Frillman

11:47 am on Thursday, May 31, 2012

Vicki, thank YOU for being so welcoming each and every week. We love going to PAWS and hope what we do makes a difference for our furry friends.   more ›

Rear View

In the Rear View: Tragic Crash and Superintendent Stall

We look back at a week of continuing court dates, honored teachers, arson charges, remodeling lives, touring the town and a question dispute.

MONDAY Last Public Hearing on Electricity Aggregation and More (Live Blog) Seeking out a cheaper electricity provider for the whole village was talked about during Monday night’s Orland Park Village Board meeting. We’ll have the live blog online for the latest updates. Court Watch: Arraignment Date Set for 'Orland Ghost Rider' In other courthouse news: Tinley Park animal cruelty trial to start over again, cell-phone kiddie porn and Frankfort home burglaries. TUESDAY DreamMaker's Borkowski Specializes in Home Remodeling, Mending Lives Glen Borkowski, president of DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen, wears many hats on his job. He is a Certified Aging in Place Specialist and helps homeowners prepare for their Golden Years. He also helps friends and …

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Over the Top! Together We Cope Has Lots of Friends

Patch and Together We Cope have reached our goal of 350 claimed Patch directory listings in 30 days. We want to thank everyone who helped us!!!

Stores, restaurants, doctor's offices, churches, schools, government offices, a local mosque, bars, financial advisers, movie theaters — in the last four weeks, folks from all walks of life have stepped up and claimed their Patch directory listing on the south suburban Patch network. In the last few days alone, 55 listings were claimed. As of today, we have 377 claimed Patch directory profiles. And if you've been following our crusade, you know that we've reached and exceeded the magic number of 350. That means Together We Cope will become the beneficiary of a free digital promotional campaign — the first advertising campaign in the history of the organization. In March, our staff hit the streets to ask business owners and agency leaders …

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March to 350: We've Got 322 Supporters for Together We Cope

322 signs of support have been logged in our effort to help spread the word for Together We Cope. Can you help us reach 350?

Since last Thursday, 23 more businesses and organizations have signed onto Patch's partnership with Together We Cope to help spread the word about this agency's unique and much-needed mission in the Southland. As of today, we have 322 claimed profiles. When 350 businesses and groups join the cause, Together We Cope will become the beneficiary of a free digital promotional campaign. In March, our staff hit the streets to ask business owners and agency leaders to claim their Patch profile in our local directories. We're aiming for 350 claimed profiles in 31 days. Our campaign continues through the week. Today, we thank the following businesses, schools, houses of worship and organizations for showing their support. If you've ever been a …

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We're Almost There: Help Together We Cope In A Fast, Free Way

Own or manage a business? Claim your listing in our Places Directory, and in doing so, you'll help Together We Cope get the word out about its important services. It takes 5 minutes at the computer.