Hundreds participated in three consecutive events held in DownTown Park Forest on an unseasonably warm Saturday.
The Village hosted its annual Shred/Drug Take Back event, followed by the Park Forest -Richton Park Neighborhood Network's (P.R.N.N.) Safe Summer Kickoff. The day ended with the Park Forest Police Department's Youth Violence Prevention drive-thru.
Sustainability Coordinator Carrie Malfeo said cars lined the parking lot at the intersection of parking lot at the corner of Indianwood Boulevard and Orchard Drive to participate in the paper shredding and drug take-back event. She said it is another way the Village is proactively protecting its residents by allowing for the destruction of sensitive documents free of charge.
"We offered people the opportunity to safely and securely destroy important documents by having them shredded onsite," Malfeo said. "Additionally, people were able to bring pills they're no longer needing and have them disposed of properly - ensuring they don't end up in the wrong hands."
Shortly after Malfeo's event started, Cherise Williams, P.R.N.N.'s organizer, hosted the non-profit's first Safe Summer Kickoff. Richton Park and Park Forest residents were invited to learn about various free summer programs for children and teens. Additionally, they offered free food and gave out giveaway bags to families.
Williams said three events happening on the same day in DownTown Park Forest weren't planned but were great for the community.
"This is awesome," Williams said. "Seeing all these people come out and participate in various events within the same radius was great in two ways."
Williams continued, "People who don't know who and what P.R.N.N. is - got an opportunity to stop by our offices and see what free programs are available to kids this summer. Additionally, the residents saw that Park Forest has a lot to offer. We want residents to know we're a nonprofit that is working with United Way to help both communities get their needs met. Partnering with various organizations to provide free summer programs for the youth is just one of many ways we plan to help Richton Park and Park Forest."
As the Safe Summer Kickoff was in its final hour, around the corner and down Victory Drive - cars were lined up to take part in the Park Forest Police Department's Youth Violence Prevention drive-thru. Residents were handed informational packets about ways to prevent violence, and kids were given free toys like basketballs and footballs. At the end of the drive-thru, residents were greeted by Recreation, Parks, and Community Health staff, who passed out grilled hotdogs, chips, and drinks.
Director of Recreation, Parks , and Community Health Kevin Adams said seeing all the residents come out to DownTown was a sign that summer is on the horizon.
"Though winter wasn't too harsh, it's finally warming up, and the Village is hosting several things during the warm season," Adams said. "With this year being Park Forest's 75th anniversary - residents can expect a lot of happenings and giveaways."
Residents are encouraged to follow the Village's official Facebook page by clicking here to stay updated on the latest happenings in Park Forest.