From child care to counseling to local food pantries, nearly 130 Will County agencies turned out for the Jan. 18 Community Resource Fair at the Romeoville Recreation Center.

The event was a partnership of Valley View Community School District 365U and Plainfield Community Consolidated School District 202. Valley View staff member Kelsey Binder, a member of the district’s resource fair executive committee, said joining with the neighboring district allows the annual event to reach more people.

“We’ve been able to bring both communities together and reach more families,” she said.

The goal of the fair, she said, is to make residents aware of the resources that are available in the community.

“It’s everything from housing and financial (assistance) to food pantries,” Binder said. “It’s kind of everything people in the community right now are really needing.”

Michele Batara, a member of the board of directors for the Crisis Line of Will County, said this year’s event was well attended. Sharing a table with Batara was Gloria Murtaugh of the Community Service Council of Northern Will County.

“It’s just to let peole know what’s out there,” she said.