Tree of Lights Campaign Pushes Past $1,100,000- Hopes for Great Final Month

The familiar bells that ring for The Salvation Army have come to an end for another year. The Salvation Army wishes to thank all the stores in the Tri-County area that again hosted the kettles this year, including the newest site- Bass Pro Shops in East Peoria.

“We are very appreciative of the support of the stores agreeing to help out with the kettles for The Salvation Army,” says Major Thomas McDowell, Peoria Corps Officer for The Salvation Army. “Central Illinois has always come through at the kettles, both in terms of volunteering and donating to The Salvation Army.”

The kettles wrapped up with a successful two-day kettle match that produced over $26,000 in kettles on December 22nd and 23rd. With some counter kettles yet to be collected, kettles have brought in over $275,000.

All funds support seasonal and year round programs for those in need. Now that the kettles are done, the Tree of Lights Campaign continues, with corporate donations, personal solicitations and direct mail the main avenues utilized by The Salvation Army to reach the goal. “We are grateful to the many generous individuals, companies and concerned people who help us reach this very important goal,” said Major Evie Diaz, Divisional Commander. “The month of January and the support we will get from people throughout Central Illinois will be vital to our success. We hope that everyone has a safe and blessed New Year.”

To date, $1,146,693, or about 73%, has been donated towards the $1,575,000 goal. Donations to the Tree of Lights Campaign can be made by mailing to The Salvation Army, PO Box 1468, Peoria, IL 61655, online at www.usc.salvationarmy.org/heartland, or by calling (309) 655-7220 to charge on American Express, MasterCard, Visa or Discover.