Mayor Ardis is again partnering with The Salvation Army and the Midwest Food Bank to organize a community wide food drive, along with collecting Coats for Kids. The food and coat drive will take place on Friday, November 25, 2011, in conjunction with the Santa Claus Parade. The 124th annual Santa Claus Parade will step off at 10:15 a.m. When you come downtown to enjoy the parade, we are asking that you bring canned goods and gently used coats, hats and gloves. Volunteers will be walking in the front of the parade collecting the canned goods and coats along the parade route.

In addition to collecting food and coats at the Santa Claus Parade, a Pre-Santa Claus Parade food and coat drive will be held on November 21, 2011, at the Peoria Civic Center (in the Great Hall) , from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. If you are unable to make it to the parade, this pre-event will offer the perfect opportunity to donate your canned goods, coats, hats and gloves.

Prizes will be given to the group or individual who donates the most items. The need for donations is so great and we hope that everyone will get behind this food and coat drive.