By Brian Stanley
Bugle Staff
bstanley@buglenewspapers.com
The Big Serve is seeking volunteers to improve things for their neighbors, their community and the world.
The Big Serve has several projects scheduled for the weekend of May 4 and 5.
(Courtesy Holli Long Photography)
Coordinator Scott Long said putting one push toward helping different groups can benefit everyone.
“It gives the people in the community an opportunity to serve and give back locally, I feel a lot of volunteers get more out of it than those being assisted,” Long said.
The event began more than five years ago when groups at Community Christian Church and Plainfield United Methodist Church both planned volunteer events and realized working together would be more effective. Other churches, including Hope United Methodist Church, St. Mary Immaculate Parish, Al-Aqsa Community, Masjid Maraj and the Village of Plainfield are among those organizations participating this year.
The different faiths believe coming together to ignore “boundaries” and focus on what they have in common – service to the needy – is a way of living their faith.
Projects are available for every age and skill level, so the weekend can be a chance for families to spend time together, Long said.
May 4 projects include Plainfield Fire Protection File for Life, Lakewood Nursing and Rehab Bingo, Harbor Chase Crafts, Rosewood Care of Joliet Bingo, Solstice Senior Living Music With Jean, Hands of Hope Warehouse Project, Will County Sheriff Photo ID and Fingerprinting, Del Valle Migrant Headstart, Ready Set Ride, Roadside Cleanup, Prayer Shawl knitting, Hands of Hope fFood Giveaway, Birthday in a Bag and Happy Notes.
May 5 projects include Linden Oaks Stress Blankets, The Forgotten Initiative Journey Bags, Daybreak Shelter spring cleaning, Homemade Laundry Soap, New Life for Old Bags, Kids Crafts to Share, Packaging Meal Kits and Positive Post-Its.
“It benefits many different organizations. I’ve made a lot of new connections doing this. I think everyone meets people outside their usual circle and you’re always learning something,” Long said.
Last year approximately 1000 volunteers were mobilized to participate in over 30 different projects funded by more than 20 local sponsors
(Courtesy of Holli Long Photography)
The Big Serve weekend will conclude with a free picnic for volunteers Sunday at Plainfield Central High School.
For more information or to sign up visit www.TheBigServe.info