Community Corner
ShareFest is Near, So Go Volunteer!
This year's weekend of volunteerism promises to be bigger and better than ever, but about 500 volunteers are needed. Here's how you can help (or get help).
About 500 volunteers are needed for ShareFest, which is about two weeks away.
ShareFest is an annual event that brings together hundreds of volunteers to work on service projects throughout New Lenox and help others in need through various collections.
This year, the event promises to be bigger and better than ever, in part because it's calling for donations outside of just one weekend and creating "11 Days of Giving." The regular collection drives—including books, toys, food, items for the troops and more—will expand outside of one weekend and last from Sept. 1-11.
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The "main event" is Saturday, Sept. 10, and this year adds a , health and safety fair, new partnerships with businesses for food drives and more.
One of the biggest parts of ShareFest is the service projects, which help people with various tasks throughout the community. ShareFest volunteers have completed 122 service projects over four years, such as painting people's homes, installing new doors and more.
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If you want to volunteer or get involved with any of the projects during ShareFest, contact director Gary Cheney at 815-717-2614 or gcheney@sharefestnewlenox.com. Cheney said he needs as many as 500 volunteers, and he'll talk to each person interested to know what area they'd like to help and when they're available.
"It's coming together really well," Cheney said. "People just want to give and be a part of something"
If you need help with a certain project, you can email Cheney or submit a form through ShareFest's website.
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