There are so many spring festivals around the country centered on gardening, bluegrass, wine and food, or Earth Day. But if you visit western Colorado’s Grand Valley, you’ll see a festival dedicated to sharing. Congregants of more than 100 area churches have decided to practice what they preach: Do unto others.
Called ShareFest, the event brings volunteers from different denominations together with people in need for a whirlwind weekend of house repair, painting, gardening and more. The concept originated with a group of pastors in central Arkansas and was embraced by First Presbyterian Colorado churches in 2007.
“A group of people from church decided to adopt a local elementary school. Teachers needed desks washed and other chores done,” explains Rev. Tom Hansen. And so it began.
Churches have been distributing flyers in their area over the past several months so that people can either post their requests for help on a central website or call the team to register. Teams of church members “adopt” neighborhoods or organizations. Project leaders then visit to determine what materials, supplies and time are needed.
Past services have included everything from flipping a mattress for an elderly woman to painting a building, which required 30 gallons of paint. Local businesses donate materials.
Participants don’t have to be big and strong—or even grown-up. In past years, five-year-olds stuffed trash bags with leaves as older kids raked. Quilters made lap robes for nursing home residents. Seniors created care packages for college students with blue books for tests, energy bars and other supplies that could help them through finals.
The two-day event, which coincides with the yearly city clean-up campaign, kicks off with a prayer and a cheer. Then Saturday morning, jeans-clad volunteers hit the streets, homes and lawns around town.
A community coming together to make its corner of the world a tiny bit better—what a great way to celebrate spring.
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