ShareFest's "11 Days of Giving" began Sept. 1, but today marks the main event—a festival of sorts that features free health care, a hazardous waste collection, lots of entertainment and a whole lot of giving. 

The annual New Lenox event unites the community to help those in need and foster a spirit of giving what you can. 

Today, Patch will be at the main location—the Spencer School Campus—updating this live blog with photos and calls for help. You can add your photos from the day and comment with any updates. 

11:45 a.m. — SWAT DEMONSTRATION NEARS

There are a bunch of great presentations and demonstrations going on at ShareFest today, and one of the coolest is the SWAT demonstration by the South Suburban Emergency Response Team. That's coming up at 12:30 p.m.

10:10 a.m. — BOOK/CLOTHING EXCHANGE

The tables at the book and clothing exchange are really starting to fill up! If you donate an item, you can exchange it for something different. Or you can leave everything to be donated later. Everything left over will go to area families in need. 

9:30 a.m. — DOGS FOR ADOPTION! 

PAWS Animal Shelter of Tinley Park is giving away dogs for adoption. All you need to do is pay for the shots!

What's Happening at Spencer?

Health/safety fair: Features more than 30 participating organizations affiliated with health, safety, fitness and preparedness. There will be lots of information, emergency vehicle displays, presentations and demonstrations, including a community blood drive. Stop by Patch's booth to say hi! See who else will be at the fair. 

Hazardous waste collection: The hazardous waste pickup day rates as one of the highlights during ShareFest’s 11 Days of Giving. The pickup day offers Will County residents a chance to pitch in by cleaning out their garages, emptying their kitchen cabinets and discarding unwanted items ranging from automotive batteries to outdated medication. Recycling and Reuse Stand at Forefront of ShareFest Agenda

Other collections: You can donate books, food, clothing and items for the troops. The clothing and book drives also serve as an exchange, so you can trade in other items and pick up something new.

Entertainment: There will be fun for all ages, including live music, dance demonstrations, a SWAT team and lots more! Read, ShareFest 2012 Introduces a Fair Atmosphere: It's Fun to Volunteer

Get more stories and information about ShareFest 2012.