PEORIA, Ill. – The holiday season has ended, but the Salvation Army’s Tree of Lights campaign isn’t over yet.
The annual campaign, which began in early November, continues through the end of the month.
This year, the Peoria and Pekin Tree of Lights campaigns partnered up to raise funds for people in need, during the holidays and beyond.
“Those funds that we raise during the Kettle season isn’t just for those Christmas activities, it’s for the much-needed programs and services throughout the year. So, as we’re trying to raise $2 million dollars, right now we’re at about 80-percent of where we need to be,” Peoria Salvation Army Commander Major Heath Sells says.
The Pekin’s Salvation Army’s goal is $168,000.
Sells tells WMBD’s “Greg and Dan”, the money raised, even after the Red Kettles are put away, provides funding for programming focused on poverty and housing needs, veterans programs, family and youth services, as well as the Corps’ disaster services around the world.
“20-percent, right here in Peoria, people live at or below poverty level. So, the needs of the programs and services the Salvation Army offers are just absolutely vital,” Sells says.
As Peoria continues to look for solutions to the homeless situation, the Salvation Army is working to provide additional beds for those who need them, as it gets ready to tear down the old AFL-CIO Building downtown.
Sells says a new shelter facility, that will double bed capacity, is expected to open by December 2026.
Currently, the Salvation Army has three shelters open in Peoria and Pekin.
To learn how you can give to the Salvation Army, click HERE.
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