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Showing Gratitude: How to Give Back In Peoria

How your whole family can get involved in giving this holiday season

By Julia Briggs, Macaroni KID Peoria November 13, 2023

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? Visit the Peoria/Tazewell Website OR Jake Turner 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: Come out November 24th at the Marquette Heights Fire Dept. to meet Santa! He’ll be there from 10 am to noon and 1 pm to 3 pm, ready for holiday photos with kids, families, and even pets!
How to donate: Bring non-perishable food, new toys, or cash donations to support Christmas food and toy drives.
Have questions? Call the fire dept. at (309) 382-2895
How to sign up to receive toys: Coming Soon

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: Drop off locations coming soon

Have questions? Join the Facebook Group for all of the details! 


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Clothing Drives in Peoria

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

Youth Coat Drive at Tartan Inn

Details:
November is the month for giving, and Tartan Inn is giving back with a Youth Coat Drive! From November 1st to November 8th, we’re collecting youth-size coats, hats, gloves, and boots. New or gently used items are all accepted, and donations will go directly to local schools.

How to donate:
Stop by Tartan Inn, 428 N Waverly Ave, West Peoria, IL 61604, anytime during the donation period to drop off your items.

Have questions? Call at (309) 966-2444 or Email tartaninn83@gmail.com



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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 Kroger stores are participating in this year’s Stuff-a-Bus campaign as well as the Kroger store in East Peoria.
Participating Kroger stores have donation displays available that include non-perishable food items that are needed at the Peoria Friendship House food pantry. Shoppers can simply purchase items from the displays or purchase food off the shelves and place the donations in the bins located at the front of the stores.


The following businesses/organizations are also serving as drop off locations during the 2024
Stuff-A-Bus food drive:

  • CityLink Administrative offices (2105 NE Jefferson Avenue, Peoria, IL 61603)
  • East Peoria City Hall ( 401 West Washington Street, East Peoria, IL 61611)
  • Jones Bros. Jewelers (7705 North Grand Prairie Drive, Peoria, IL 61615)
  • West Peoria City Hall (2506 W. Rohmann Avenue, West Peoria, IL 61604)
  • WMBD Studios (3131 N. University Street, Peoria, IL 61604)
  • Corn Stock Theatre (1606 N. Park Road, Peoria, IL 61604)

Have questions? Check the Facebook page for the most up to date information.


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Giving trees in Peoria

Coming soon

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