More than 1,000 CareFest volunteers serve the community

With the theme of “Neighbors Serving Neighbors,” more than a thousand volunteers from 16 local churches set out to serve in the community on Saturday, May 4, during an annual day of service called CareFest.

Members of congregations from Wheaton Bible Church and Iglesia del Pueblo led efforts that included volunteers from Glen Ellyn Bible Church, Village Church of Bartlett, College Church in Wheaton and 11 other area churches.

The work included planting flowers at a homeless shelter, painting at a community counseling center, and cleaning at two apartment complexes that act as a women’s shelter. In addition, volunteers served at eighteen schools in three school districts, at five youth and community centers, at more than 20 nonprofit organizations, and at the homes of 19 families in need.

“Our goal is to build bridges of love and compassion into the community. It is amazing to see so many people of diverse generations, skill sets, backgrounds, and passions come together for the good of our communities,” said Kyle Reschke, CareFest organizer and pastor of local and global missions for Wheaton Bible Church. “When you give your time, resources, and skills to serve others you are saying that they have value and worth. Our goal is to love our communities well — with no strings attached — we believe we exist as a Church to serve and be a blessing to every neighbor.”

Since 2005, CareFest has brought together volunteers of all ages from area churches and local businesses to donate their time, material, and talents to serve the community.

Volunteers have used hundreds of gallons of paint, planted more than 11,000 flowers, and spread over 5,000 cubic yards of mulch, enough to cover 25 football fields.

Altogether, CareFest volunteers and their sponsors have donated in excess of 65,000 hours of service impacting the lives of up to 25,000 people.

To find more information, including a list of the local businesses that sponsor CareFest, visit www.carefest.org.