New Lenox Captures Prestigious Hometown ShareFest Award

The Village of New Lenox received a Governor’s Hometown Award for ShareFest 2012, honoring the village’s continued commitment and support of the annual ShareFest event.

The prestigious award was presented during a ceremony at the Executive Mansion in Springfield. The Governor’s Hometown Award Program is administered through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and recognizes volunteers for their work in improving their communities.

Award recipients are selected by volunteer judges who review and rank applications based on a variety of factors, including local need, volunteer participation, use of resources and the results achieved. The projects are judged within their population categories as well as within their assigned project categories. Each project winner receives a road sign for its community and a plaque recognizing their efforts.

ShareFest 2012 volunteers collected 5,121 books, hundreds of items for overseas troops, a semi-trailer filled with clothing, 7,067 food items, and $847 cash. With the assistance of volunteers, ShareFest also sponsored a job and resource fair, blood drive and health fair which included free health care services. ShareFest volunteers also participated in a forest restoration project at Barrens Access and completed 30 service projects for the elderly, disabled and others in need of assistance.

Six hundred one cars representing 639 households participated in ShareFest 2012’s Household Hazardous Waste Collection. More than 46,000 pounds of household hazardous waste was collected, along with 17,570 pounds of electronics, 1,980 pounds of scrap metal and 25 cubic yards of Styrofoam. Consistent with each year’s event, ShareFest 2012 concluded on September 11, with a Patriot Day Ceremony in the Village Commons.

Mayor Tim Baldermann thanked Gary Cheney as well as the volunteers and partner organizations that participate in ShareFest each year.

“ShareFest is a great example of the true spirit of volunteerism that we have here in New Lenox," Baldermann said. "Receiving a Governor’s Hometown Award is a great honor which could not be achieved without the commitment and dedication of the ShareFest volunteers.”

Cheney said he is grateful for the success of ShareFest and what its volunteers have done for the community.

“It’s great to see a village where local government, schools, churches, businesses, organizations and residents can unite in compassionate community service for those in need.  It’s easy to see why we are the Home of Proud Americans,” he said.

Any questions regarding the 2013 Governor’s Hometown Award may be directed to Daniel Martin, Public Safety Division Chief, who can be reached at 815-462-6100 or via email dmartin@newlenox.net

Check out our Facebook page.