Good morning, Plainfield.

Phyllis Clower, a 70-year-old Army veteran who struggled with disability, now gives back by volunteering at AllenForce in Joliet—she trains veterans through the VetTank program and credits the group with helping her regain independence.

NuMark Credit Union supports veterans all year by holding events such as Wreaths Across America and a gravestone cleaning at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery.

The credit union, led by veteran board members, donates to Honor Flight and offers special accounts for veterans—strengthening local ties.

Marine veteran Steve Schuler, 77, of Peotone volunteers with memorial squads in Elwood and Wilmington to honor fallen service members with rifle volleys, taps, and flag presentations—he served in Vietnam and earned three Purple Hearts.

He encourages others to join the teams as they remain short-handed and rely on dedicated volunteers.

Lewis University in Romeoville announced it will cut 10% of its workforce due to a sharp drop in international student enrollment—factors such as visa challenges have also forced similar cuts at the University of St. Francis in Joliet.

Joliet Marine veteran and police detective Jeremy Eaton helps veterans with mental health by running five programs including Heroes on the Water, his work with We Defy Foundation, scuba classes at Dive Right in Scuba in Plainfield, the Joliet Battle Buddies program, and support from a therapy dog from K9s for Veterans—each offering a way to ease stress.

Brian Skraba, a Marine veteran who served from 2004 to 2008 including one deployment to Iraq, works at Silver Cross Hospital as a board-certified nurse practitioner while pursuing his doctorate and developing an assessment tool to show how service dogs help veterans manage PTSD—he trains his service dog Murphy to ease his own anxiety.

Pack The Truck - Toys for Tots Collection Drive

10 a.m.-1 p.m. — C.W. Avery Family YMCA — Free entry — Spread holiday cheer by donating unwrapped toys for children and enjoy festive activities with Santa.

Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk

9:00-10:30 a.m. — Community Park At Grande Park — Entry fee required — Participate in the fun-filled 4th Annual Turkey Trot run/walk to kick off the holiday season.

Naperville Noon Lions Turkey Trot 5K

8 AM — Naperville Central High School — Registration required — Run fast and enjoy a festive Turkey Trot experience.

Holiday Create & Sip at Garage Band Brewing

6-8:30 p.m. — Garage Band Brewing — $20 balance due at the event — Kick off the holiday season with crafting and delicious drinks in a cozy atmosphere.

Breakfast with Santa

9:00 – 11:30 AM — Prairie Activity & Recreation Center (PARC) — Registration required — Enjoy a delightful breakfast and a magical visit with Santa for the kids.