EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD: Getting dirty helps improve our communities

From the cocoon of my office, I can look out the window and see that spring is slowly creeping back into our corner of Northwest Indiana.

Pence seeks nominations for volunteerism awards

INDIANAPOLIS | Gov. Mike Pence is seeking nominations for his Governor's Service Awards recognizing outstanding volunteerism in Indiana.

Volunteers make Ogden Dunes a great place to live

Ogden Dunes resident Bruce Klimek picks up small sticks and garbage that washed up on the beach as part of a public beach cleanup day.

Volunteers make Ogden Dunes a great place to live

Ogden Dunes resident Bruce Klimek picks up small sticks and garbage that washed up on the beach as part of a September 2008 public beach clean up day. Volunteerism is strong in Ogen Dune.

Midwest Moms on a Mission is on the move

CROWN POINT | On Saturday, November 10, Midwest Moms on a Mission, a local Moms group focused on volunteerism, sponsored a packing party at Carriage Court Pizza in Crown Point for Operation Christmas Child.

Hard work pays off with scholarships for student-athlete

Andrew Breuckman is finally beginning to see his hard work pay off as a student at Wabash College in Crawfordsville.

PSC grad wins community service award

May graduate Kelly Mendez, center, recently received the Dr. James H. Griffith Community Service Award from Prairie State College. She is congratulated by Brunetta Hill-Corley, left, vice chair of the PSC board of trustees, and Helen Manley, coordinator of student and campus life at PSC, who…

PSC grad wins community service award

CHICAGO HEIGHTS | May 2012 Prairie State College graduate Kelly Mendez recently was named the 2012 recipient of the Dr. James H. Griffith Community Service Award at PSC. She received the award during the August meeting of the PSC board of trustees.

Teen urges peers to "Volunteer and Pass It On"

Tara Beere seeks to urge other teenagers to volunteer with the creation of her "Volunteer And Pass It On" blog and Facebook page. Formed in April, the organization encourages teens to pair up with local groups seeking help.

Chicago Heights students have volunteerism covered

Students from Chicago Heights School District 170 made these quilts for patients at Franciscan St. James Health hospital in Chicago Heights. The group of seventh- and eighth-graders are, from left, in back, Shuryah Owens, Kiara Ellis, Torrianne Stewart and Destiny Hughes. In front are Mariah…

Whiting is better for having had Mary as a loyal daughter

Last week marked the passing of Mary Skvara, one of Whiting's favorite daughters.

Store on target with volunteerism

HIGHLAND | Lake Area United Way recently bestowed a Community Excellence Award on the Target store in Highland and its team members for their strong, year-round commitment to volunteerism and giving back to the community.

Economic recovery slow for US nonprofits

As the first signs of an economic recovery make the news, many of the nation's nonprofit organizations are digging in for another three to four years of financial distress, according to researchers who keep an eye on the charitable world.

College student helps youths attend special IU camp

Michael Dempsey, 20, of Highland, is part of the Camp Kesem magic.

Coordinator makes sure Meals on Wheels can bank on Centier

Tami Janda coordinates a corporate partnership with Meals on Wheels of Northwest Indiana for Centier Bank.

Award-winning effort: local teen demonstrates 'Power of Children'

For Munster High School sophomore Jill Osterhus, a family vacation to Jamaica a few years back meant stumbling upon a whole new calling in her young life.

Award-winning effort: local teen demonstrates 'Power of Children'

When most Americans head down to Jamaica, the idea is to escape the responsibilities and concerns of the "real world" for a while. But for Munster High School sophomore Jill Osterhus, a family vacation to the popular resort island a few years back meant stumbling upon a whole new calling in …

Hammond honors PUC orientation leaders

HAMMOND | Purdue University Calumet's New Student Orientation Leaders received the annual Outstanding Youth Organization award at the Hammond mayor's 25th Annual Volunteer Luncheon.