Churches around Albert Lea are coming together next week for the ninth annual Shinefest, with service projects beginning Saturday.

Shinefest organizer Jim Troe said the purpose of Shinefest is for the Christian community to love on the city in practical ways.

This year, Shinefest has decided to participate in many community outreach events such as  Community Sew Day on Sept. 19. Community Sew Day is a way for volunteers to help make as many quilts as possible for families in need during the cold winters.

From 9 a.m. to noon on Aug. 22, Dave Syverson Ford is holding oil changes for those in need.

Another donating act is the back to school shop. The back to school shop is a chance for those with extra clothing to donate to less fortunate children while sharing the love of Christ, according to Troe. The back to school shop will be open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 22 at First Baptist Church.

The blood drive is also a free way to give back to the community. For those who don’t want to give blood, volunteers are always welcome, Troe said. The blood drive will take place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 22 at First Lutheran Church. For more information call Dave Grotsun at 507-383-2766.

The biggest part of the volunteer week is Rocking the Block. Rocking the Block is a part of Shinefest that is immensely similar to “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” according to Troe. Anyone of any skill set is welcomed to help. There is no set time and volunteers are asked to help out whenever they are free. Rocking the Block will consist of cleaning, painting, gardening, landscaping, plumbing, roofing, carpentry and more home improvement tasks.

“The goal for this year’s major project is to complete seven houses,” Troe said.

The week of festivities will conclude with the Shinefest block party. There will be a carnival-type atmosphere with live music, food, games and more. The games start at 4 p.m. with a picnic following at 5 p.m. Aug. 22 at Morin Park.

Anyone who would like to volunteer for Shinefest can call Jim Troe at 507-402-3410 or email Phil Wacholz at philip.wacholz@gmail.com.

2015 Shinefest schedule

Aug. 15 – Aug. 22: Rocking the Block, Albert Lea

Aug. 22: School clothes giveaway, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., First Baptist Church

Aug. 22: Blood drive, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., First Lutheran Church

Aug. 22: Oil changes, 9 a.m. – noon, Dave Syverson Ford

Aug. 22: Block party, 4 p.m. game time, 5 p.m. picnic time, Morin Park

Sept. 19: Community Sew Day, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Fairlane Building