847 Brightside
Good news from the 847
Something neighbors share — food drives, senior clinics, volunteer cleanups, pet reunions, free concerts, and the little township tips that make living here easier. Each item links to the official page.
Updated September 28, 2026 · About the last two weeks
We keep the hard stuff elsewhere — this page stays on the good news.
Arlington Heights · Mon, Oct 19 – Fri, Dec 18
Fall leaf 2-for-1 comes to Arlington Heights
From October 19 through December 18, one landscape-waste sticker covers two bags at the curb on your regular pickup day. The village page lists where to buy stickers.
Village of Arlington Heights
Elk Grove Village · Mon, Sep 28 – Wed, Nov 25
Curbside leaf pickup is back in Elk Grove Village
Rake leaves into the street the evening before your section’s day and village crews sweep them up, weekly through November 25. The village page has the section map and each area’s nine pickup dates.
Elk Grove Village
Palatine · Thu, Oct 1 – Sat, Oct 31
Library Care Cabinet needs toiletries for October
Starting October 1, Palatine Public Library locations collect shampoo, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, body care, period products, deodorant, and hand warmers for the Care Cabinet — unopened items only.
Palatine Public Library
Schaumburg · Mon, Oct 19 – Fri, Oct 23
Coats for Kids collects new winter gear for District 54 students
The Township of Schaumburg gathers new coats, snow pants, winter boots, hats, and gloves for students in School District 54. Drop-off spots, including the township office and library branches, are on the township page.
Township of Schaumburg
Hoffman Estates · Mon, Sep 21 – Mon, Oct 12
Fall branch pickup is rolling through Hoffman Estates
The village is collecting curbside branches and shrub trimmings zone by zone, with the last zone’s week starting October 12. Have branches out by 7 a.m. on the Monday of your week — the village page shows which zone you’re in.
Village of Hoffman Estates
Arlington Heights · Sat, Oct 10 · 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Autumn Harvest brings free music and hayrides to North School Park
The village and park district put on a free afternoon of live music, hayrides, a petting zoo, scarecrow and pumpkin decorating, and the library’s bookmobile. Food is for sale; everything else costs nothing.
Village of Arlington Heights
Palatine · Sat, Oct 3 · 8:00 a.m.–noon
Clear out the closets at Palatine Township’s textile drop-off
Palatine Township and the Palatine Lions Club take clothing, shoes, bedding, towels, stuffed animals, toys, and kitchenware at the township office on Quentin Road. The township page lists what they can’t accept.
Palatine Township
Palatine · Tue, Sep 1 – Wed, Sep 30
Library collection drive stockpiles Faith Feeds pantry
Through September, drop nonperishables at Palatine Public Library locations — cereal, peanut butter, pasta, canned goods, and reusable shopping bags top the ask for Faith Feeds.
Palatine Public Library
Rolling Meadows · Fri, Sep 25 – Sun, Sep 27
Meadows Fest filled Kimball Hill Park with live music
Rolling Meadows Park District and the City teamed up for three days of live bands, food trucks, and a Family Fun zone with inflatables and kids’ activities at Kimball Hill Park.
Rolling Meadows Park District
Palatine · Sat, Sep 26 · 9:00–11:00 a.m.
National Public Lands Day cleanup at Dutch Schultz Recreation Area
The Palatine Park District invited volunteers of all ages to a morning workday on public lands, with kids under 18 joined by a parent or guardian. The event page lists the district’s volunteer coordinator for questions.
Palatine Park District
Des Plaines · Fri, Sep 18 – Sun, Sep 20
Fall Fest’s free-concert weekend wraps downtown
Des Plaines Fall Fest ran September 18–20 with free live music downtown. Recap and next year’s dates live on the festival site.
Des Plaines Fall Fest