smithjonathan+FollowChampaign’s Douglass Center turns into a winter wonderlandFrosty’s Holiday Wonderland is lighting up the Douglass Community Center this week, and it’s all about bringing families together for some real holiday magic. Picture this: kids meeting Santa, making their own gifts, and diving into festive games—all for free! There’s even a gift-wrapping station and special giveaways to make the night extra special. Events like this really show how our community comes together to create memories for everyone. Who’s planning to stop by, and what’s your favorite part of local holiday celebrations? #News #Champaign #HolidayFun00Share
Cassandra Snyder+FollowMeet Jax: Champaign’s sweetest rescue catJax went from shivering outside in the cold to soaking up love and treats at CATsNAP. He’s about a year old, super chill, and already neutered—basically, the perfect addition if you’ve got other cats at home. CATsNAP’s team is always working to give cats like Jax a second chance at a cozy life. If you’ve been thinking about adopting, check out Jax’s video and see if he’s the one for your family. Would you consider bringing home a rescue cat? Let’s talk about what makes a house feel like home for our furry friends! #Pets #Champaign #AdoptDontShop30Share
marklowe+FollowChampaign’s Restoration Urban Ministries makes a comebackRestoration Urban Ministries is bouncing back in Champaign, reopening its transitional housing program just months after closing—and even a recent fire can’t stop them. The fire damaged an old building slated for demolition, but the team is still aiming for a January relaunch. What’s really moving is how community support, from small donations to big fundraisers, made this comeback possible. They’ll start small, gradually expanding to help up to 100 people, focusing on life skills and real change. With affordable housing still scarce, this is a big win for those in need. How can we keep this momentum going for our neighbors? #News #Champaign #CommunitySupport00Share
Dennis Turner+FollowChampaign’s Restoration Urban Ministries bounces backRestoration Urban Ministries is making a comeback in Champaign, even after a fire damaged one of its buildings. Despite setbacks—including shutting down last spring due to funding issues—the nonprofit is reopening its transitional housing program in January. What’s really inspiring is how the Champaign-Urbana community rallied together, donating everything from a dollar to thousands, to help RUM reopen its doors. The team plans to start small and gradually expand, offering not just shelter but life-changing support and skills for those in need. How do you think community support shapes local recovery efforts like this? #News #Champaign #CommunitySupport00Share
dianefrank+FollowChampaign restaurants stay open despite boil orderRestaurants along Neil Street in Champaign are powering through a boil order after a water main break, keeping doors open during the busy holiday season. Spots like McDonald’s, Taco Bell, and The Ribeye are using bottled water and canned drinks to keep serving customers, even with limited menus and extra precautions. The Ribeye’s team said missing another day of business right now would be a big hit, so they’re finding creative ways to keep things running. Repairs are expected to wrap up by Wednesday evening. Anyone else notice changes at your favorite spots, or have tips for dealing with boil orders? #Food #Champaign #BoilOrder00Share
john72+FollowBig changes coming to Mattis & SpringfieldA familiar corner in Champaign is about to get a major facelift—think more drive-throughs and fresh new businesses! The old Jimmy Johns and Biggby Coffee building at Mattis and Springfield will be torn down soon, making way for a new retail space designed for today’s grab-and-go lifestyle. With over 20,000 cars passing by daily, the new plan includes two drive-throughs and room for four businesses. It’s all about making things more convenient for everyone on the go. What kind of shops or restaurants would you love to see open up here? #Business #LocalBusiness #Champaign00Share
Marcia Hamilton+FollowChampaign’s new family shelter opens its doorsA new family shelter is opening in Champaign just as the number of homeless families keeps rising and the cold sets in. The space is designed for privacy and safety, with each family getting their own section. If you’re a parent or guardian with kids under 18 and need a safe place overnight, you can apply at the Regional Planning Commission facility on South Neil. The location is kept private for everyone’s safety, and the shelter is open nightly until April 2026. What do you think—will this new approach make a real difference for families in our community? #Safety #Champaign #CommunitySupport00Share
Christy Jones+FollowChampaign teens flood YES jobs programEnrollment in Champaign’s YES program has skyrocketed—jumping from 64 to 350 students in just two years! Local high schoolers are lining up for hands-on job training, resume workshops, and real-world work experience, all designed to help them land that crucial first job. The surge is so big, the program is looking to hire more staff to keep up. It’s not just about paychecks; organizers say these opportunities help prevent youth violence and boost students’ sense of belonging. What do you think: How can our community support this momentum and help even more young people succeed? #JobCareer #Champaign #YouthJobs00Share
Michael Phillips+FollowChampaign’s book bar turns donations into 40k mealsWhen SNAP benefits were cut, The Literary in Champaign didn’t just step up—they rallied the whole community. Locals pitched in, and together they provided over 2,300 meals in just two weeks. But the generosity didn’t stop there: with $12,000 left over, the book bar handed it off to the Eastern Illinois Foodbank, which means nearly 40,000 more meals for neighbors in need. Owner Jenny Shima was blown away by the outpouring of support, calling it a true show of community spirit. How do you think local businesses can keep making a difference like this? #Safety #Champaign #CommunitySupport00Share
Richard Jones+FollowChampaign’s book bar turns donations into 40k mealsWhen SNAP benefits were slashed, The Literary in Champaign stepped up in a huge way—transforming community donations into nearly 40,000 meals for neighbors facing food insecurity. Owner Jenny Shima expected a small impact, but the outpouring of generosity blew her away, with $12,000 left over going straight to the Eastern Illinois Foodbank. It’s amazing to see how quickly a local business and its customers can rally to fill a critical gap. How do you think other businesses or groups could help when times get tough? #Safety #Champaign #FoodInsecurity00Share
