More Families + More Money = More Hope

As The Salvation Army programs grow because more families need assistance, so does the need for continuing community support. “It really is a blessing that the central Illinois area is so generous,” says Major Evie Diaz, Divisional Commander for The Salvation Army. “This year, thanks to generous support, we again were able to help so many more families than before. That also means however, that we need more funding support than before.”

Last year, The Salvation Army raised over $1,430,000 which helped to fund the programs and services that help families who are in need, both during the holiday season and year round. All of the programs offered by The Salvation Army are funded in part by the Tree of Lights Campaign. The programs help to provide families with food, shelter, caring, and hope. The generosity of the community not only provides toys and food baskets at Christmas, but also other programs such as Lunch With Love and The Salvation Army’s Eagle Crest Camp.

Already during the 2011 Christmas season, The Salvation Army in Peoria has:
*Distributed 2,720 food baskets, serving over 6,675 individuals
*Distributed gifts and toys to 4,628 children
*Distributed 1,635 coats to children
*Served 5,645 meals through our Lunch with Love program (Nov & Dec)
*Provided a safe haven for 352 men in the Safety Net Shelter

With just three weeks left in this year’s Tree of Lights Campaign, $1,348,991 dollars has been raised to date, but there is still work to be done in order to realize the campaign goal of $1,575,000. Donations are still needed, and can be mailed to The Salvation Army, PO Box 1468, Peoria IL 61655, or charged to American Express, MasterCard, or Visa by calling (309) 655-7220, or online at www.usc.salvationarmy.org/heartland.