Chicago on the Cheap

Deals, discounts and free events in Chicago

Volunteering & Charity

Hidden oasis in the city: North Park Village Nature Center

Hidden oasis in the city: North Park Village Nature Center. What is North Park Village It features a 46-acre nature preserve and educational facility, which are situated within the 155-acre North Park Village campus. The nature preserve offers trails that wind through woodland, wetland, prairie … [Read more...] about Hidden oasis in the city: North Park Village Nature Center

Earn $500 as a Chicago Election Coordinator

Earn $500 as a Chicago Election Coordinator. The next election is: Gubernatorial Primary Election March 20, 2018 Gubernatorial General Election November 6, 2018 There is a shortage of Election Judges and Election Coordinators for the General Election on Tuesday, November 8. … [Read more...] about Earn $500 as a Chicago Election Coordinator

Volunteer to help plant and care for trees

Get out in nature, get some exercise and help green our city.  Volunteer with TreeKeepers to plant and care for trees around the city.  No experience necessary.  Trained TreeKeepers will be on hand supervising and assisting.  Please wear closed toe shoes and bring gloves if you have … [Read more...] about Volunteer to help plant and care for trees

Volunteer with Friends of the Chicago River

Grab your friends and join a community of stewards that help to restore critical habitat at five special sites along the Chicago and Calumet Rivers. This program is a joint partnership between Friends of the Chicago River, Friends of the Forest Preserves, Audubon Chicago Region, and the Forest … [Read more...] about Volunteer with Friends of the Chicago River

Clean out your closets and save on your taxes

I realize everyone's crazed about the holidays but a quick way to save on your taxes is to donate clothes and household items to charity.   Note that tax savings only apply if you itemize on your taxes.  However just because you can't deduct it doesn't mean you can't give.  If you don't itemize … [Read more...] about Clean out your closets and save on your taxes

Save money: learn how to care for your garden

University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener training teaches you everything you need to know to plant and take care of your garden.  It's really a mini horticulture training program.  People underestimate the impact of landscaping, including a garden and trees on the value of their real … [Read more...] about Save money: learn how to care for your garden

Volunteer at Chicago Park District nature areas

The Chicago Park District always has a great need for volunteers.  Following are all the locations in need of help.  Check out the list for the area closest to you.  There is always more than enough work to go around.  So get outside and into nature this summer.  You'll get some exercise and help … [Read more...] about Volunteer at Chicago Park District nature areas

Free tours with a local Chicago Greeter

The Chicago Greeter program is a volunteer only group of Chicago residents who provide free “visits” for tourists visiting Chicago. "Explore Chicago with a friendly, knowledgeable local as your guide. This free service matches visitors with enthusiastic, city-wise volunteers for 2-4 hour guided … [Read more...] about Free tours with a local Chicago Greeter

Member of the Living on the Cheap Network

Chicago on the Cheap is a member of Living on the Cheap, a network of websites published by frugalistas, journalists and consumer advocates. Find practical advice on saving money on groceries, travel and shopping, plus tips from our experts on how to live the good life for less at Living on the Cheap.

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