For the 12th year in a row, volunteers from a network of churches in the Antioch, Lake Villa and Lindenhurst area will devote a Saturday to local community service projects.
ShareFest 2015 projects to be completed this Saturday include aiding senior citizens with maintenance chores in and around their homes, staining the historic Hiram Buttrick Sawmill located behind the Antioch Police Department and the Open Arms Mission Backpack Food Project that includes collection and sorting of foods that kids can cook themselves.
There is also a surprise renovation project that is being kept secret until the project is completed and unveiled on Monday, according to Diane Powers, communication manager for the annual effort.
“It’s always great to have churches working together,” Powers said. “It’s in the spirit when churches are working together to better the community.”
Powers said more than 150 volunteers are already expected to help, including crews from NorthBridge Church, Hope Community Church, Crossview Church, Chain of Lakes Community Bible Church and Christian Life Fellowship Church.
Volunteers from the community are also welcome to chip in during ShareFest. Those interested in volunteering, or who know of a senior in need, are asked to call 847-454-3036.
ShareFest began in 2004 with the belief that churches can do more together than any one church can do alone, Powers said.
The event will begin with an opening celebration gathering at 7:30 a.m. at Crossview Church in Antioch. Project supplies and additional information will be distributed to each team at that time and coffee and a light breakfast will be available for volunteers.
Volunteers for the sawmill staining project must be at least 16 years of age.
Over the past 11 years, ShareFest has completed projects including landscaping and home repairs for 1,337 senior citizens and people with disabilities, as well as the collection of 114,500 pounds of food for Open Arms Missions, collection of more than 700 units of blood for the American Red Cross, collection and removal of over 250 bags of garbage from highways and parks, distribution of 140 dolls made for Antioch Rescue Squad victims, the repainting of hundreds of local fire hydrants, and several other community service projects.
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