The holiday season is a time for giving. What better way to give than to give back to others in need in Peoria? Not only does it help our Peoria grow stronger, but if you involve your children, it gives them a lifelong lesson in the importance of helping others when you can. With that in mind, here are ways you and your family can get involved in giving back in Peoria this holiday season ... and all year long.
Know of a toy, clothing, or food drive we missed or a volunteer opportunity in Peoria we left out? Let us know by sending an email to julibriggs@macaronikid.com and we'll add it to our list!
Donating toys, clothes, or food in Peoria
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Toy Drives in Peoria
Toys for Tots
Details: The Marine Toys for Tots Program collects new unwrapped toys and distributes them to less fortunate children at Christmas. This year they are collaborating with the Salvation Army and Threads, Hope, and Love. You can sign up to volunteer HERE
How to donate: You can donate online or find a local drop off site here
Have questions?
Peoria/Tazewell Website or call Tiffany Chambers at (309) 416-9539 OR EMAIL peoria.il@toysfortots.org
How to sign up to receive toys: Sign-up online HERE. There is a list of in-person sign-up spots on the website.
Marquette Heights Toy and Food Drive
Details: Donations needed: non-perishable food items, new unwrapped toys (for children up to 17 years of age, monetary donations welcomed for perishable items for food baskets (only accepted at the city office)
How to donate: Now through Wednesday, Dec. 13th at 5:00 p.m. non-perishable food items & new unwrapped toys can be donated at the following drop-off locations, during business hours:
Marquette Heights City Office - (715 Lincoln Rd)
Marquette Heights Dollar General - (104 Joliet Rd)
Have questions?
How to sign up to receive toys: Sign up or nominate a family HERE
Santa Bill's Hospital Helpers
Details: "Our mission is to ensure that each and every child at Children's Hospital of Illinois in OSF Saint Francis Hospital, Carle Health Greater Peoria, and their affiliates (including OSF Almost Home, OSF Bloomington, OSF Galesburg, OSF Kewanee, CH Proctor, CH Pekin, and many more) will feel the magic that Santa brings and the joy of a Merry Christmas." Please donate new stuffed animals, board games, art supplies, sports memorabilia, dolls, action figures, STEM-based educational toys, bicycles, IPADs, Chromebooks and everything in between
How to donate:
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Have questions? Facebook Group
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Clothing Drives in Peoria
Smile Center of Peoria: Share the Warmth Coat Drive
Details: They are collecting gently used or new coats for those in our community from 11/1 through 12/10! Please donate if you are able and help our community stay warm this winter!
How to donate: Drop off to the office: 1424 W Glen Ave Peoria, IL 61614
Have questions?
https://www.facebook.com/smilecenterpeoria
Hats, gloves, & coats in Peoria
Details: Please bring new or gently used hats, gloves, and coats to donate. We will begin accepting donations on NOVEMBER 22nd at 6 am and will continue to accept donations until 10:00 pm that evening. Please bag your items in a garbage bag and tie it as tight as you can. We will prioritize homeless outreach centers in Peoria Illinois first and then all overflow donations will be taken to other non-profit locations outside of the Peoria city limits.
How to donate: Downtown Peoria, exact location to be determined
Have questions?
https://www.facebook.com/events/1383364278932073
Toy and Coat Drive at New Beginnings Worship Center
Details: Drop off new toys and new or gently used coats for New Beginnings Worship Center's Day of Giving.
How to donate: Drop off at the Worship Center: 1910 W. Lincoln Ave, Peoria IL, 61605
Have questions? Contact Pastor Quinton Brown
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Food Drives in Peoria
Stuff a Bus Peoria
Details: The 36th Annual Stuff-A-Bus food drive to benefit the Peoria Friendship House of Christian Service is happening from Friday, October 20, 2023 until Wednesday, November 29, 2023. Recommended food donations:
- Protein – Canned Meat, Beef Stew, Tuna, Canned Chili, Peanut Butter, Canned and Dried Beans
- Fruits & Vegetables – Canned Fruit, Canned Vegetables, Canned Soup, Fruit Juices, Jelly
- Carbohydrates – Pasta, Rice, Instant Potatoes, Macaroni & Cheese, Cereal, Pancake Mix, Oatmeal, Cake Mixes
- Dairy – Canned Milk, Instant Pudding
How to donate: All Peoria and East Peoria Krogers are drop-off locations as well as all of these local businesses:
- CityLink Administrative offices (2105 NE Jefferson Avenue, Peoria, IL 61603)
- Dozer Park (730 SW Jefferson Avenue, Peoria, IL 61605)
- Jones Bros. Jewelers (7705 North Grand Prairie Drive, Peoria, IL 61615)
- Peoria Riverfront Museum (222 SW Washington Street, Peoria, IL 61602)
- West Peoria City Hall (2506 W. Rohmann Avenue, West Peoria, IL 61604)
- WMBD Studios (3131 N. University Street, Peoria, IL 61604)
The Peoria Riverfront Museum is offering a $3 discount off general admission to individuals who donate a non-perishable food item to Stuff-A-Bus throughout the duration of the food drive. One donation is required per person to receive the discount. The Peoria Chiefs are offering two ticket vouchers good for a game in April 2024 to individuals who donate a minimum of five or more non-perishable food items at Dozer Park during Stuff-A-Bus. Please call the Peoria Riverfront Museum at 309-686-7000 and Dozer Park at 309-680-4000 if you have questions about these promotions. Throughout the 2023 Stuff-A-Bus campaign, various activities will be held in support of the food drive:
Have questions? Check the Facebook page for the most up to date information
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Giving trees in Peoria
EP!C Giving Tree
Details: Giving Tree provides an opportunity to purchase gifts for some of the people we serve who would not otherwise receive gifts during the holidays. You can purchase gifts for a person we serve, our group homes, classrooms, or EP!C programs.
How to donate: You can find out how to donate HERE
Have questions? If you would like more information about Giving Tree, please contact Ally De Roo directly at aderoo@epicci.org or 309-689-3606.
Donating time in Peoria
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Looking to volunteer your family's time this holiday season in Peoria? Here are some local organizations in Peoria that welcome help:
Midwest Food Bank
Details: There is a current need for food distribution volunteers(14+) and packing Family Food Boxes volunteers (13+) .
How to get started: You can sign-up and find opportunities HERE
Foster Pet Outreach
Details: Volunteers opportunities: fostering, outreach, transportation, special events/fundraising, building maintenance, and more. Volunteers must be 18 years or older, or get a parent’s signature for someone between the ages of 15-17. Any volunteers between the ages of 12-15 must be accompanied by a parent.
How to get started: Fill out the application at the bottom of this page.
Dream Center Peoria
Details: There is a huge list of volunteer opportunities that you can see HERE and HERE
How to get started: If you have had a background check you may fill out the application on this page. If you've not completed a background check email volunteers@dreamcenterpeoria.org
Check out Volunteer Match for more volunteer opportunities in Peoria
