ShareFest 2012 Introduces a Fair Atmosphere: It's Fun to Volunteer

Mayor Tim Baldermann Monday issued a proclamation celebrating the 11 Days of Giving implemented through  at the Village Board meeting.

With plans for the sixth annual ShareFest underway, chairperson  is looking forward to the "fair atmosphere" that has surrounded the 11 Days of Giving, he said later.

ShareFest is an annual event in New Lenox that brings together the community for a massive volunteerism effort. It includes numerous service projects, as well as collections for toys, books, food and lots more. Recently added are health and job fairs. 

This year's event runs Sept. 1-11, with the main event taking place Saturday, Sept. 8. 

While ShareFest is established primarily to assist those in need and those grappling with the difficulties of a sour economy, Cheney said, it's not all work. It's a good opportunity to create a fun event for all ages. People should enjoy the chance to volunteer. It's pitching in to help others, but it's play too.  

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, a community center for teens, is providing two hours of live music at the daylong community service event at Spencer Pointe/Crossing School campus, which is the designated base of operations. He'll emcee the concert and perform as DJ too. The Hub is scheduled to present an outdoor concert from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 8.

At the same time, Victoria Jones, owner of the newly opened , has signed on to assist in ShareFest. She has invited volunteers to join her in a variety of activities, including a demonstration, advanced moves, toning and yoga, kickboxing set to music and energy flow fitness.  

Once the volunteers are pumped up, they can move out within the community with energy and enthusiasm.

Meanwhile, Cheney said a host of hands-on activities to capture the interest of children and teens is slated throughout the day.

"We're hoping to get a SWAT Team out there, and a (mobile) emergency communications center," he said. The kids like to walk around inside the communications center, to see how emergency responders get information and organize a plan of action.

ShareFest has given fresh incentive to those who enjoy presenting information about health-living initiatives, including gardening specifically to benefit the local food pantries, recycling, composting and rain barrel collection. Presenters from the University of Illinois Extension are expected to share their insights along those lines.

Cheney welcomes volunteers to join in the fun and volunteer. Check out the to register.