As part of a Christmas in June promotion, the Peoria Chiefs invites its fans and area residents to participate in a food drive to benefit the meal programs sponsored by The Salvation Army in Peoria.

Food collected at the Peoria Chiefs game on Friday, June 25 will go to support The Salvation Army’s several meal programs such as the food pantry and soup kitchen. They also provide meals to families in their shelter, men in their overnight shelter, kids in their Child Care as well as lunch meals to residents of the New Hope Apartments.

The Salvation Army will have a vehicle outside O’Brien Field to collect the food from fans from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. that evening. The first 250 fans who bring five or more canned goods will get a discounted ticket for the game that evening against the Cedar Rapids Kernels.

“We had a really nice response last year from our fans and the community,” said Rocky Vonachen, Chiefs President. “This year, we hope we have a good attendance and can get plenty of canned goods. People receiving these food items at The Salvation will have one less concern.”

“Our hope is that families will come together and make a special trip to the grocery store to help less fortunate families in our community,” continued Vonachen. “The Salvation Army is a great organization and the Chiefs are happy to be able to again provide support to The Salvation Army in this way.” Also slated to appear are Santa and the in-game entertainment, the Zooperstars.

Feeding operations at The Salvation Army are at their highest traditionally during the summer months. “We are grateful to the Chiefs and their fans for helping us stock our shelves,” said Major Charles Smith, Divisional Commander. “The needs are great and we appreciate the Chiefs helping out through this Christmas in June promotion.”

In addition to collecting food, The Salvation Army will have a Giant Kettle Bouncy House outside, along with an Army brass ensemble which will also perform the national anthem prior to the 7:00 game against Cedar Rapids. For more information, contact Rich Draeger at 655-1348 or to get tickets, visit www.peoriachiefs.com.