Volunteers of all ages helped make "Action: Love Monee" a success(Photo courtesy of David Short)
Volunteers of all ages helped make "Action: Love Monee" a success (Photo courtesy of David Short)

Monee Sharin’ the Love Once Again

Volunteers of all ages helped make "Action: Love Monee" a success(Photo courtesy of David Short)
Volunteers of all ages helped make "Action: Love Monee" a success (Photo courtesy of David Short)
By Karen Haave
For the past seven years, a relatively small group of volunteers in Monee has made it their mission to make things a little easier for local families that need a helping hand.
Recently, they did it again, with their “Action: Love Monee,” a free food distribution, followed by a celebratory cook out and concert on the grounds of the Monee Heritage Center.
Launched in 2017, the annual event is sponsored by Provision Lab, Inc., in collaboration with the Monee Alliances of Churches.
Set in motion by Second Place Church Pastor David Short, the event in its inaugural year included a job fair, health care services, free haircuts, clothing giveaway, and a blood drive, along with a cook out and concert. It was pared down during the Covid-19 pandemic, but has been making its way back, focusing on the food distribution.
Families lined up early for the large boxes filled with fresh produce, non-perishables and dairy products.
“We had over 350 families that were served,” said Kelly Detlaff, economic director for Provision Lab. “We seemed to have just enough food to feed everyone that came. Everyone seemed to be very thankful with what we were doing.
“The cookout and concert was really a great addition to have back. We had some awesome musical talent!
“We always want to thank the volunteers, without them we couldn’t pack the boxes or do anything we do. I would say about 50 volunteers.
“We also want to thank the Village of Monee for allowing us to host the event, as well as the Emergency Management Agency. They handled all of the parking this year, and it went very smoothly. We would also like to thank, Gary from Sharefest for partnering with us.”
Although no date has been set yet for Love Monee 2024, Detlaff and her crew are already looking forward to it.
“We love being able to serve our community,” she said. “God has called us to serve, and I think we do whatever we can and when we can to do this. I’m just happy we were able to help every family that came.”
Monee Mayor Therese Bogs was equally happy with the event.
“Today’s Love Monee event was wonderful,” she said. “I was so pleased to see all the volunteers, from the community, local churches, and student athletes from Governors State University. Hundreds of cars took advantage of the drive-thru food distribution, which Provision Lab had down like clockwork. Monee’s own EMA helped with safety and traffic coordination.

“It’s an amazing endeavor to take on, and Provision Lab makes it look so easy. I am so proud of our community of Monee, coming together to assist such a worthy cause.”

Karen Haave is a freelance reporter.

Volunteers made sure those who drove through the line for the food giveaway got all they needed.
(Photo courtesy of David Short)

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