ShareFest Needs Volunteers! You Can Help

ShareFest is nearing, and more volunteers are always needed to help the annual New Lenox event meet its goal of meeting the needs of the community.

Find out how you can help below!

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.

Just how many people are needed to help? Hundreds. Here are the opportunities ShareFest gives you to volunteer. Number of volunteers needed is in parentheses. For more information, visit www.sharefestnewlenox.com or www.sharefestwillcounty.com.

Now through Sept. 13

Donate books, clothes, food, home goods, pet supplies, and items for our troops daily at donation trucks located at St. Jude Catholic Church, 241 W. Second Ave and Standard Bank & Trust, 456 Nelson Rd. There will be a free collection/exchange of items at the ShareFest “Main Event” on Sept. 13, Spencer School Campus. (130)

September 12

Job & Resource Fair: Located at the New Lenox Village Hall. Get connected to over 50 local employers looking to hire local employees! Seminars with experts for tips and helpful information and a “Dress For Success” station with free business attire will be available 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nancy Hoehn nhoehn@newlenox.net (12)

September 13

Book Drive/Exchange: this reuse & recycling event is sponsored by the Girl Scout Troop 273 to promote literacy and recycling books. Ten thousand free books exchanged and donated last year. Everyone is invited to drop off and/or exchange new and gently used books. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Contact Monica Willson monica.m.willson@gmail.com (10)

Blood Drive: at the Main Event at Spencer School in conjunction with the Health & Safety Fair. Heartland Blood Center mobile bus will be there from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Contact Dan Martin dmartin@newlenox.net (50 donors)

Clothing & Home Goods Drive: a free take out, bring in or exchange event will be held from 9 to 3 p.m. Any remaining items will go to local families and non-profits. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Deb Bukus flebadeb@yahoo.com (18)

Food Drive: Free food give-a-way at Spencer School on Saturday Sept. 13th 9-3pm. Donations will also be taken at Walmart from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Donations are distributed to our local families and our local pantries. Our local food banks are feeding 1500 people and use 35,000 items monthly. Contact Mike Hilton michaelmilton727@gmail.com (18)

Collections For Our Troops: collections to support Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, andAirmen through care packages and letters of encouragement. See website for item list. 9 to 3 p.m. info@sharefestnewlenox.com (18)

Free Legal Services: Local attorneys available for free legal advice. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Contact Gary Cheney gary@sharefestnewlenox.com (4)

Health & Safety Fair: Free eye exams and dental exams and cleanings for all Will County Pre-K – 12 students. Lots of freebies including tests, screenings, and seminars from 40 health and safety providers. Contact Dan Martin dmartin@newlenox.net (8)

P.A.W.S Pets: Accepting donations of blankets, towels, and pet supplies. Register to Adopt-A-Pet. P.A.W.S. Pets on site. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Email Pat Schaunnessey patteri1@comcast.net (8)

Reuse/Recycling Drive: This year’s event includes a a Household Hazardous Waste Collection. In addition, electronics, carpet padding, wood, scrap metal, styrofoam, and propane tanks will be collected. See website for list of items. Volunteers will need proper shoes and clothing. 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Over 330,000 pounds collected/recycled/reused through ShareFest. Contact Marta Keane mkeane@willcountygreen.com (54)

Service Projects: These clean up/fix-up projects are for those who need a helping hand. Volunteers have completed over 200 services projects the last 7 years. If you know someone who could use a helping hand or if you would like to volunteer call or visit the website, Service projects are scheduled September 13 and September 27 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Email info@sharefestnewlenox.com (50)

Forest Preserve Workday Projects: located at Hickory Creek Junction and in cooperation with the Will Count Forest Preserve District. This requires very physical labor. A liability waiver must be signed (on the site) and proper clothing should be worn. Schedule your time by calling Renee Gauchat 815-722-7364 or e-mail rgauchat@fpdwc.org 9 a.m. to noon.

Pilcher Park Clean-up: Saturday, Sept. 20 and Saturday, Nov 1: volunteers meet at Pilcher Park Nature Center 2501 Highland Park Dr. Joliet, IL. 9:30 a.m. to noon. Contact Vkemp@helpersofmotherearth.org (20 at each event).