Opportunities From: Heart of Illinois Volunteers

Spread sunshine by making cards and writing notes for those who receive services from our partner agencies. No matter the age, everyone likes a card that brightens the day! 

"Spreading Sunshine" is great for individual service or team-building! You simply supply your own materials and creativity. Respond to this need and we'll send you more information including where to deliver your cards/notes when done. If you have any questions, please contact Amy Manwaring, Resource Development Manager, at amy.manwaring@local.unitedway.org.

Heart of Illinois United Way Partner Agencies need your support now more than ever.  By responding to this need, you will be helping multiple agencies in one or more of the following ways:

Education Programs:
Quality education helps youth and adults achieve their full potential; key programs include pre-k literacy, tutoring, mentoring, special education, college and career counseling, and adult literacy.

Financial Stability Programs:
Financial stability promotes independence; key programs include basic human needs such as food, shelter and clothing, legal support, employment assistance, and life-skills education.

Health Programs:
Prevention, intervention, and education lead to health and wellness; key programs include community clinics, physical fitness, nutrition counseling, dental and vision care, and therapy.

For Additional Information:
Please don't hesitate to contact our Operations Manager, Melissa Young, at myoung@familyhousepeoria.org or call 309.685.5300

The sound of the red kettle bells means Christmas is coming — and JOY is on the way!

The Salvation Army of Peoria is looking for volunteers to help spread cheer and raise funds that stay right here in our community to support families in need. Bell ringing is fun, festive, and a simple way to make a big difference this holiday season!

You can:

Ring solo or bring a friend, family, or group!

Choose your location and shift time.

Help us keep the spirit of giving alive all season long!

Contact the volunteer coordinator, Maddison, or The Salvation Army Corps & Community Center for information on how to sign up!

Maddison: 309-253-9909

Citadel: 309-682-8886

Do you have a special talent, hobby, or are you a part of a group or organization?  We are looking for individuals or groups that would be interested in sharing/hosting a birthday party for the Health Center Residents.  Hosting consists of providing some type of entertainment (music, crafts, game, sharing a hobby or collection) for 20-30 minutes, and 2 cakes. The birthday parties are held on the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 2:00 pm.  It may be possible to fluctuate time and date if need be.

For more information please contact:  Ashley Thompson| Snyder Village Volunteer Coordinator|309-366-4135| athompson@snydervillage.com

Time: 2:00-4:00 pm

Location: FamilyCore office, 330 SW Washington St., Peoria, IL 

Help us distribute food to our families in need! We are looking for assistance sorting and loading food for FamilyCore families. 

Duties may include:         

- Unload food from vehicles and bring into building on a cart

- Sort bulk food into smaller portions for families

- Preparing boxes of food for the families

- Load into staff/client vehicles        

Must be able to lift at least 20 lbs. This activity is fast paced to ensure food is stored and distributed properly. 

Time: 2:00-4:00 pm

Location: FamilyCore office, 330 SW Washington St., Peoria, IL 

Help us distribute food to our families in need! We are looking for assistance sorting and loading food for FamilyCore families. 

Duties may include:         

- Unload food from vehicles and bring into building on a cart

- Sort bulk food into smaller portions for families

- Preparing boxes of food for the families

- Load into staff/client vehicles        

Must be able to lift at least 20 lbs. This activity is fast paced to ensure food is stored and distributed properly. 

Time: 2:00-4:00 pm

Location: FamilyCore office, 330 SW Washington St., Peoria, IL 

Help us distribute food to our families in need! We are looking for assistance sorting and loading food for FamilyCore families. 

Duties may include:         

- Unload food from vehicles and bring into building on a cart

- Sort bulk food into smaller portions for families

- Preparing boxes of food for the families

- Load into staff/client vehicles        

Must be able to lift at least 20 lbs. This activity is fast paced to ensure food is stored and distributed properly. 

Time: 2:00-4:00 pm

Location: FamilyCore office, 330 SW Washington St., Peoria, IL 

Help us distribute food to our families in need! We are looking for assistance sorting and loading food for FamilyCore families. 

Duties may include:         

- Unload food from vehicles and bring into building on a cart

- Sort bulk food into smaller portions for families

- Preparing boxes of food for the families

- Load into staff/client vehicles        

Must be able to lift at least 20 lbs. This activity is fast paced to ensure food is stored and distributed properly. 

Time: 2:00-4:00 pm

Location: FamilyCore office, 330 SW Washington St., Peoria, IL 

Help us distribute food to our families in need! We are looking for assistance sorting and loading food for FamilyCore families. 

Duties may include:         

- Unload food from vehicles and bring into building on a cart

- Sort bulk food into smaller portions for families

- Preparing boxes of food for the families

- Load into staff/client vehicles        

Must be able to lift at least 20 lbs. This activity is fast paced to ensure food is stored and distributed properly. 

Time: 2:00-4:00 pm

Location: FamilyCore office, 330 SW Washington St., Peoria, IL 

Help us distribute food to our families in need! We are looking for assistance sorting and loading food for FamilyCore families. 

Duties may include:         

- Unload food from vehicles and bring into building on a cart

- Sort bulk food into smaller portions for families

- Preparing boxes of food for the families

- Load into staff/client vehicles        

Must be able to lift at least 20 lbs. This activity is fast paced to ensure food is stored and distributed properly. 

Time: 2:00-4:00 pm

Location: FamilyCore office, 330 SW Washington St., Peoria, IL 

Help us distribute food to our families in need! We are looking for assistance sorting and loading food for FamilyCore families. 

Duties may include:         

- Unload food from vehicles and bring into building on a cart

- Sort bulk food into smaller portions for families

- Preparing boxes of food for the families

- Load into staff/client vehicles        

Must be able to lift at least 20 lbs. This activity is fast paced to ensure food is stored and distributed properly. 

Time: 2:00-4:00 pm

Location: FamilyCore office, 330 SW Washington St., Peoria, IL 

Help us distribute food to our families in need! We are looking for assistance sorting and loading food for FamilyCore families. 

Duties may include:         

- Unload food from vehicles and bring into building on a cart

- Sort bulk food into smaller portions for families

- Preparing boxes of food for the families

- Load into staff/client vehicles        

Must be able to lift at least 20 lbs. This activity is fast paced to ensure food is stored and distributed properly. 

Time: 2:00-4:00 pm

Location: FamilyCore office, 330 SW Washington St., Peoria, IL 

Help us distribute food to our families in need! We are looking for assistance sorting and loading food for FamilyCore families. 

Duties may include:         

- Unload food from vehicles and bring into building on a cart

- Sort bulk food into smaller portions for families

- Preparing boxes of food for the families

- Load into staff/client vehicles        

Must be able to lift at least 20 lbs. This activity is fast paced to ensure food is stored and distributed properly. 

Time: 2:00-4:00 pm

Location: FamilyCore office, 330 SW Washington St., Peoria, IL 

Help us distribute food to our families in need! We are looking for assistance sorting and loading food for FamilyCore families. 

Duties may include:         

- Unload food from vehicles and bring into building on a cart

- Sort bulk food into smaller portions for families

- Preparing boxes of food for the families

- Load into staff/client vehicles        

Must be able to lift at least 20 lbs. This activity is fast paced to ensure food is stored and distributed properly. 

Time: 2:00-4:00 pm

Location: FamilyCore office, 330 SW Washington St., Peoria, IL 

Help us distribute food to our families in need! We are looking for assistance sorting and loading food for FamilyCore families. 

Duties may include:         

- Unload food from vehicles and bring into building on a cart

- Sort bulk food into smaller portions for families

- Preparing boxes of food for the families

- Load into staff/client vehicles        

Must be able to lift at least 20 lbs. This activity is fast paced to ensure food is stored and distributed properly. 

Time: 2:00-4:00 pm

Location: FamilyCore office, 330 SW Washington St., Peoria, IL 

Help us distribute food to our families in need! We are looking for assistance sorting and loading food for FamilyCore families. 

Duties may include:         

- Unload food from vehicles and bring into building on a cart

- Sort bulk food into smaller portions for families

- Preparing boxes of food for the families

- Load into staff/client vehicles        

Must be able to lift at least 20 lbs. This activity is fast paced to ensure food is stored and distributed properly. 

Volunteer Opportunity with The Salvation Army – Peoria

Looking for a flexible, impactful way to give back—from anywhere? Host a remote collection drive and rally your friends, workplace, school, church, or community group to support neighbors in need!

We’re seeking Volunteer Drive Leaders to collect high-need items for individuals and families served by The Salvation Army of Peoria.

What We Need Most:

Pantry Items (non-perishables, canned goods, shelf-stable snacks). Our food pantry is in DIRE need of items to help new and current families experiencing food insecurity. With the current cuts to SNAP benefits we are expecting to serve anywhere from 50-75 new families every week.

Coats (new or gently used only, please). Last year The Salvation Army distributed over 2,500 FREE coats to children and adults in the Tri-County. These are available at The Salvation Army Family Services building downtown Peoria, Monday - Friday during business hours from November 6th - January 31.

Cold Weather Items (blankets, coats, gloves, hats, scarves).

You Can Help By:
Organizing a collection at your school, workplace, church, or online
Spreading the word via social media, email, or flyers
Coordinating drop-off of donated items at our downtown Peoria location

This is a great opportunity for students, service clubs, scout troops, youth groups, businesses, and families looking to give back on a flexible schedule on your own terms and timeline!

Interested in getting started?
Contact Maddison Barnard, Volunteer & Special Events Coordinator:
maddison.barnard@usc.salvationarmy.org or 309.253.9909

Let’s work together to bring warmth, dignity, and nourishment to our community, one donation at a time.

Junior Achievement of Central Illinois provides volunteers with training that is simple and relatable; programs that are engaging and fun; and a classroom full of eager kids ready to learn from you!

As a Junior Achievement volunteer, you will inspire kids to achieve a more fulfilling career and life by contributing your professional insights and personal experiences to the programs you teach.
 
EASY STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS

1) Sign Up
How you volunteer is important! Select the type of volunteering that is most suitable to get more information and complete a form that our program team will use to contact you.

2) Pick Schedule
You will have the opportunity to discuss your preference of how or where you would like to volunteer before signing up.

3) Attend Training
A JA program team member will provide you with a short but effective training session in which you will be able to ask questions. Online, self-guided new volunteer training is also available. We will make sure you are ready to volunteer!

4) Impact Lives
Sharing your professional experiences as a mentor while facilitating JA Learning Experiences helps students believe in themselves so they can achieve their dreams!

FLEXIBLE VOLUNTEERING CHOICES
Location
Volunteering for Junior Achievement is flexible, and in many cases, you may be able to serve a class close to your home or workplace!

Time Investment
The JA program team provides resources that make preparation easy, and with so many learning experiences to choose from, you can pick one that best fits your goals and objectives. Most volunteers will visit classrooms five times in one school semester for five class periods (about 45 min. for each class period/lesson). A typical JA volunteer will spend just ten hours preparing and volunteering!

Grade Level
Junior Achievement has learning experiences for grades K-12. Volunteers are able to select the grade and/or subject matter that best meets their volunteering goals and objectives. 

Delivery Model
 We have in-person, virtual, and blended learning experiences!

 K-12 LEARNING EXPERIENCES
Elementary
In grades K-5, children are eager to learn and full of energy! If you like working with elementary grade children, you will love volunteering for JA! Games, engaging worksheets, and more are used to make learning fun and impactful for this age group.

Middle School
Volunteering with youth in grades 6-8 is very rewarding! It can be so much fun but also helps youth at a critical stage in their educational journeys. In this age group, youth are curious about the future and the kind of jobs that exist. They have a longer attention span than elementary grade children, and they are capable of creating relevant plans for their futures. 

High School
If you enjoy working with kids that are ready to tackle the world but are looking for the paths to be opened up to them and are fascinated by innovation and entrepreneurship, the high school volunteer experience may be right for you! Volunteering at the high school level will typically be focused on one or more of the three JA pathways: financial literacy, work/career readiness, and entrepreneurship/entrepreneurial thinking. 

Our Critter Meals on Wheels program delivers food twice a month to over 120 pets in the Greater Peoria area that provide companionship for our Meals on Wheels clients. You can allow us to continue serving these individuals and their pets by hosting a pet food drive. If you or your organization are interested in hosting a pet food drive, please contact Aleena Wessel at either aleenaw@nhpeoria.org or 309-674-1131

Twice a month, Neighborhood House hosts a food pantry that has assisted ~350 individuals within the Peoria community. The food pantry is in need of several shelf-stable items that will allow us to continue serving the community by providing nutritional food. If you or your organization is interested in hosting a food drive, please contact Aleena Wessel @aleenaw@nhpeoria.org or 309-674-1131 ext. 300.

Come out to Scott's Prairie, our 76-acre farm located just outside of Hanna City! Scott's Prairie is a truly unique space where youth engage in therapeutic activities like fishing, frisbee golf, hiking, and gardening. It's often where our clients experience these joys for the very first time! Maintaining this special place is crucial and relies heavily on our dedicated volunteers.

We are always looking for volunteer groups to assist with maintaining the property through garden maintenance, general landscaping, weeding, and clearing. Perfect for groups who enjoy regular outdoor work in a serene, therapeutic setting. Please email Renatta Hoffer, Volunteer and Community Engagement Coordinator, at renatta.hoffer@chail.org for more information. 

Come out to our Youth Farm Campus! The Youth Farm Campus is home to our residential treatment program, group homes, and agency training center. It provides a safe and supportive environment for up to 50 youth (ages 9-21) receiving therapy and round-the-clock care.

We are always looking for volunteer groups to assist with maintaining the property through campus landscaping, weeding, and trash removal from the surrounding wooded areas. Ideal for groups wanting to help maintain a clean and welcoming environment for our residential youth. Please email Renatta Hoffer, Volunteer and Community Engagement Coordinator, at renatta.hoffer@chail.org for more information. 

Green or Brown Thumb? All thumbs are welcome! Valeska Hinton Early Childhood Education Center sets on 6 acres in downtown Peoria. We have a park like campus that is in constant need of landscaping assistance. We are specifically in need of a group of individuals to come and help us clean up our butterfly garden. This time of year our milkweed needs to be cut down so that new small leaves will grow to attract the next round of butterflies and the butterfly garden is in need of weeding. Please bring your own work/garden gloves. We have a small supply of hand tools but if you have some you can bring that would be great as well.

Loaves and Fish Food Pantry @ First United Methodist Church in Peoria is looking for volunteers to assist their patrons on Friday and Saturday mornings! The needs are as follows: welcome/greeting/security team, prayer ministry team (and children's ministry) and hand out/distribute food. 

The pantry serves up to 300 guests each week and it is a very busy, fast paced shift!

Looking for a powerful way to get your church group, school club, coworkers, or family involved in giving back to the Peoria community? We’ve got meaningful, hands-on opportunities waiting for you!

At The Salvation Army, we love working with groups of all sizes to match you with the perfect volunteer project. Whether it's serving meals, organizing donations, hosting drives, or lending a hand at special events, your time is more impactful than you think!

Let’s make it happen!
Contact Maddison Barnard, Volunteer & Special Events Coordinator:
maddison.barnard@usc.salvationarmy.org or 309.253.9909

We can't wait to see how your group will make a lasting impact together!

Looking for a meaningful way to serve your community? The Salvation Army Sylvia Fites Family Services Center in downtown Peoria is calling on compassionate cooks, meal preppers, and friendly faces to help feed our neighbors in need.

We’re especially in need of meals on: Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays
Location: The Salvation Army, 414 NE Jefferson Street, Peoria, IL
Clients Served Daily: 50–70 individuals

Here’s how you can help:
Prepare and serve a warm meal cafeteria-style.
Bring your own ingredients or donate a meal (prepared in a licensed kitchen preferred!).
Come as a group, family, or individual - everyone’s welcome!

Whether you’re a culinary pro or just love helping others, this is your chance to make a real difference week after week.

Interested or have questions?
Reach out to Maddison Barnard at maddison.barnard@usc.salvationarmy.org or 309.253.9909. to find a day that works best for you!

Let’s serve hope one plate at a time.

 
Groups and/or individuals are needed to clean, disinfect and organize toys at Almost Home Kids at OSF Children's Hospital of Illinois. 

Almost Home Kids provides transitional care in a home-like setting for children with complex medical needs, as well as training and respite care for their families.  Almost Home Kids is a bridge from hospital to home.  Transitional care is a program for children who are medically stable and ready to leave the hospital; however, families need some extra time to make preparations for their children's return home. In a comforting environment, children receive 24-hour medical support from skilled pediatric nurses. 

If you would love to help, please contact Cheryl at 309-573-0711.

Do you love to cook and bake?

Groups and/or individuals are needed to provide meals, snacks and treats for families of residents at Almost Home Kids. 

Almost Home Kids provides transitional care in a home-like setting for children with complex medical needs, as well as training and respite care for their families.  Almost Home Kids is a bridge from hospital to home.  Transitional care is a program for children who are medically stable and ready to leave the hospital; however, families need some extra time to make preparations for their children’s return home. In a comforting environment, children receive 24-hour medical support from skilled pediatric nurses. 

Almost Home Kids has a kitchen for serving; however, does not have an oven or stove.  Food must be prepared or purchased off site. We have microwave and toaster ovens for reheating.  If you love to cook, please contact Cheryl at 309-573-0711.

Help build literacy and foster the love of books and engagement in reading by sharing a favorite book virtually. We'll create an online library that we'll share with our partner agencies. Then the story can be listened to anytime!

Simply respond to this need and we'll send you a list of our pre-selected books from which to choose. Find the book at your local library, purchase it, or maybe you already have it in your collection! Once we know which book you'd like to read, we'll send you instructions on how to record it directly on the platform or upload your prerecorded video. Double your impact by donating the book to United Way and it'll go to one of our partner agencies. 

If you have any questions, please contact Amy Manwaring, Resource Development Manager, at amy.manwaring@local.unitedway.org.

Heart of Illinois United Way Partner Agencies need your support now more than ever.  By responding to this need, you will be helping multiple agencies in one or more of the following ways:

Education Programs:

Quality education helps youth and adults achieve their full potential; key programs include pre-k literacy, tutoring, mentoring, special education, college and career counseling, and adult literacy.

Financial Stability Programs:
Financial stability promotes independence; key programs include basic human needs such as food, shelter and clothing, legal support, employment assistance, and life-skills education.

Health Programs:
Prevention, intervention, and education lead to health and wellness; key programs include community clinics, physical fitness, nutrition counseling, dental and vision care, and therapy.

United Way Partner Agencies are in need of activity kits for children to replace shared items like magazines, toys, coloring books, etc. These activity kits are needed in a variety of settings, including but not limited to clinic/counseling waiting rooms, home-bound clients, preschool classrooms, and group homes.

This is a perfect opportunity for people to sign up and coordinate with their group (work, families, school, churches, youth groups). It's great for team-building as you work together to gather items and assemble the kits when and where works best for you. Your efforts will help keep boredom at bay and provide resources to agencies so they can further help the people to whom they provide services.

Simply respond to this need and we'll send you a link of what items are needed, how to pack them, and where to deliver your kits when done. If you have any questions, please contact Amy Manwaring, Resource Development Manager, at amy.manwaring@local.unitedway.org.

Heart of Illinois United Way Partner Agencies need your support now more than ever.  By responding to this need, you will be helping multiple agencies in one or more of the following ways:

Education Programs:
Quality education helps youth and adults achieve their full potential; key programs include pre-k literacy, tutoring, mentoring, special education, college and career counseling, and adult literacy.

Financial Stability Programs:
Financial stability promotes independence; key programs include basic human needs such as food, shelter and clothing, legal support, employment assistance, and life-skills education.

Health Programs:
Prevention, intervention, and education lead to health and wellness; key programs include community clinics, physical fitness, nutrition counseling, dental and vision care, and therapy.

Inspire young children's love of learning with these easy-to-do Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) activities! Volunteers gather and/or purchase the supplies needed and then assemble them into a kit. These kits are then distributed to our partner agencies for their programs, such as mentoring, after-school programs, and summer camp. 

You can assemble kits for any (or all!) of the activities below:

This is a great opportunity for your place of employment, group, club, family, or even just yourself! Simply respond to this need and we'll send you an email with a link to instructions, materials needed for each kit, and information about where to deliver your kits when done.

Interested in recording a short video showing how the activity is done? We'll send instructions on how to do that too!

If you have any questions, please contact Amy Manwaring, Resource Development Manager, at amy.manwaring@local.unitedway.org.

Heart of Illinois United Way Partner Agencies need your support now more than ever.  By responding to this need, you will be helping multiple agencies in one or more of the following ways:

Education Programs:
Quality education helps youth and adults achieve their full potential; key programs include pre-k literacy, tutoring, mentoring, special education, college and career counseling, and adult literacy.

Financial Stability Programs:
Financial stability promotes independence; key programs include basic human needs such as food, shelter and clothing, legal support, employment assistance, and life-skills education.

Health Programs:
Prevention, intervention, and education lead to health and wellness; key programs include community clinics, physical fitness, nutrition counseling, dental and vision care, and therapy.

Basic hygiene kits, containing personal care items, are needed for all ages and genders by a number of United Way Partner Agencies.  

"Take Care" is great for team-building! It is a perfect opportunity to work together gathering the needed items and assembling the kits when and where works best for you. Your efforts will help someone in need and provide resources to agencies so they can further help the people to whom they provide services!

Simply respond to this need and we'll send you a list of what items are needed, how to pack them, and where to deliver your kits when done. If you have any questions, please contact Amy Manwaring, Resource Development Manager, at amy.manwaring@local.unitedway.org.

Heart of Illinois United Way Partner Agencies need your support now more than ever.  By responding to this need, you will be helping multiple agencies in one or more of the following ways:

Education Programs:
Quality education helps youth and adults achieve their full potential; key programs include pre-k literacy, tutoring, mentoring, special education, college and career counseling, and adult literacy.

Financial Stability Programs:
Financial stability promotes independence; key programs include basic human needs such as food, shelter and clothing, legal support, employment assistance, and life-skills education.

Health Programs:
Prevention, intervention, and education lead to health and wellness; key programs include community clinics, physical fitness, nutrition counseling, dental and vision care, and therapy.

United Way partners need your help! We are looking for volunteers who would like to copy, fold, cut, and pack easy-to-use learning materials for early learners across Central Illinois. You'll be helping save teachers' time and resources while providing a fun activity for children to do at school or to take home. 

We have four projects to choose from:

"All About Me" booklets are a fun and interactive way for children to practice writing and coloring while sharing and remembering information about themselves. Volunteers will print/duplex the PDF file of four 8.5 by 11 pages, punch holes and tie with string, ribbon, or yarn. If you'd like to make the booklets into a take home kit (optional), include crayons and stickers. 

Number/Subitizing Flash Cards will save teachers and parents/guardians time and money while providing each child with their own set of flash cards that teach numbers 1-20 and how to "subitize" ... the ability to recognize a small group of objects without counting, which is a fundamental skill in the development of number sense. Volunteers will print/duplex the PDF file on card stock, cut into quarters, and bundle each set of cards for distribution to area students.

Alphabet Practice and Coloring Cards provide students with a double-sided, over-sized flashcard they can use to practice their letters on one side and color the other. Once done, parents/guardians and children can keep the cards to practice letters and words. Volunteers will print/duplex the PDF file onto white card stock, cut in half, and bundle each set of A-Z for distribution to students. If you'd like to make these cards into a take home kit (optional), include some crayons for coloring.

Dr. Seuss Storytelling, Colors, and Counting is several small projects rolled into one. You can make kits for "Cat in the Hat" themed masks or kits with a variety of activity sheets based on "Green Eggs and Ham", "The Lorax", "All the Places You'll Go", and "1 Fish, 2 Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish".  Directions will be provided for each.

"Be A Teacher's Helper" is great for individual service or team-building! Simply respond to this need and we'll send you a link to download the PDF files and instructions.

If you have any questions, please contact Amy Manwaring, Resource Development Manager, at amy.manwaring@local.unitedway.org.

Heart of Illinois United Way Partner Agencies need your support now more than ever.  By responding to this need, you will be helping multiple agencies in one or more of the following ways:

Education Programs:
Quality education helps youth and adults achieve their full potential; key programs include pre-k literacy, tutoring, mentoring, special education, college and career counseling, and adult literacy.

Financial Stability Programs:
Financial stability promotes independence; key programs include basic human needs such as food, shelter and clothing, legal support, employment assistance, and life-skills education.

Health Programs:
Prevention, intervention, and education lead to health and wellness; key programs include community clinics, physical fitness, nutrition counseling, dental and vision care, and therapy.

When it's cold, a fleece blanket or scarf not only provides warmth but comfort too. Give the gift of warm and fuzzy to others with handmade, no-sew, hand-tied polar fleece blankets or scarves. And feel warm and fuzzy yourself knowing that you helped someone in need!

"Warm and Fuzzy" is a great activity to do individually or with a group (family, friends, school, church) and is great for team-building! Simply respond to this need and we'll email instructions for making a blanket and scarf and let you know where to deliver the items when completed. If you have any questions, please contact Amy Manwaring, Resource Development Manager, at amy.manwaring@local.unitedway.org.

Heart of Illinois United Way Partner Agencies need your support now more than ever.  By responding to this need, you will be helping multiple agencies in one or more of the following ways:

Education Programs:
Quality education helps youth and adults achieve their full potential; key programs include pre-k literacy, tutoring, mentoring, special education, college and career counseling, and adult literacy.

Financial Stability Programs:
Financial stability promotes independence; key programs include basic human needs such as food, shelter and clothing, legal support, employment assistance, and life-skills education.

Health Programs:
Prevention, intervention, and education lead to health and wellness; key programs include community clinics, physical fitness, nutrition counseling, dental and vision care, and therapy.

You can help area students enrolled in United Way funded tutoring, after-school programs, summer learning, and adult education programs get through the academic year by collecting much-needed school supplies and packing them into individual kits for easy distribution. 

This is a perfect opportunity for team building! Hold a supply drive at your work or school, with your club or group, or among family and friends. Gather items needed and assemble the kits where and when works best for you. Your efforts will provide resources to agencies so they can further help the people they serve! And bring a smile to a student's face!

Simply respond to this need and we'll send you a list of what items are needed, how to pack them, and where to deliver your kits when done. If you have any questions, please contact Amy Manwaring, Resource Development Manager, at amy.manwaring@local.unitedway.org.

Heart of Illinois United Way Partner Agencies need your support now more than ever.  By responding to this need, you will be helping multiple agencies in one or more of the following ways:

Education Programs:
Quality education helps youth and adults achieve their full potential; key programs include pre-k literacy, tutoring, mentoring, special education, college and career counseling, and adult literacy.

Financial Stability Programs:
Financial stability promotes independence; key programs include basic human needs such as food, shelter and clothing, legal support, employment assistance, and life-skills education.

Health Programs:
Prevention, intervention, and education lead to health and wellness; key programs include community clinics, physical fitness, nutrition counseling, dental and vision care, and therapy.

Help a family or homeless individual get off on the right foot with a cleaning kit for their new home. We are looking for volunteers to gather and pack cleaning essentials into a kit to be shared with United Way Partner Agencies who work to end homelessness every day. 

"Welcome to Your New Home" is also great for team-building! Hold a supply drive at your place of business, with your club or group, or among your family and friends.

Simply respond to this need and we'll send you a list of what items are needed, how to pack them, and where to deliver your kits when done. If you have any questions, please contact Amy Manwaring, Resource Development Manager, at amy.manwaring@local.unitedway.org.

Heart of Illinois United Way Partner Agencies need your support now more than ever.  By responding to this need, you will be helping multiple agencies in one or more of the following ways:

Education Programs:
Quality education helps youth and adults achieve their full potential; key programs include pre-k literacy, tutoring, mentoring, special education, college and career counseling, and adult literacy.

Financial Stability Programs:
Financial stability promotes independence; key programs include basic human needs such as food, shelter and clothing, legal support, employment assistance, and life-skills education.

Health Programs:
Prevention, intervention, and education lead to health and wellness; key programs include community clinics, physical fitness, nutrition counseling, dental and vision care, and therapy.

We’re looking for passionate individuals or experts in food and nutrition to share their knowledge with our CWTC individuals. Topics could include:

If you’re knowledgeable in any of these areas and want to make a positive impact, we’d love to have you join us.

For more details or to volunteer, please contact us.

Thank you for supporting CWTC!

We are looking for passionate individuals or experts in health-related fields to share their knowledge with our CWTC individuals. Topics include:

If you have experience or expertise in any of these areas and would like to make a difference, we’d love to have you join us. Your time and knowledge can empower and educate our community!

For more details or to volunteer, please contact us!

Thank you for supporting CWTC!

We’re seeking enthusiastic individuals or fitness experts to lead engaging sessions for our CWTC individuals. Topics and activities could include:

If you have a passion for fitness and would like to inspire others, we’d love to have you join us. Share your time and skills to promote health and wellness in our community!

For more information or to volunteer, please contact us!

Thank you for making a difference at CWTC!

We’re excited to announce our recent acquisition of the old Methodist School of Nursing building, which will be transformed into 55 units of Permanent Supportive Housing. Alongside this important initiative, we’re also looking to revitalize the former Methodist daycare space.

What We Need: We are seeking enthusiastic volunteers to help us sort through the daycare area. Your assistance will be invaluable in:

Thank you for considering this opportunity to give back to our community. Together, we can make a difference!

Volunteers are invaluable to the mission of Midwest Food Bank. Volunteers will begin their shift with a brief orientation. Examples of volunteer opportunities include and are not limited to:

Day Time Volunteer Opportunities (Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday):

These opportunities are open to individuals, families and/or groups.

Evening & Weekend Volunteer Opportunities (Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday):

Our Evening & Weekend Volunteer Opportunities are only for groups of 7 - 20 participants.

Children & Youth Volunteers

We welcome children and youth aged 5 and older to volunteer with us. Anyone under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a parent and/or responsible adult. Parents must also sign a waiver prior to their child volunteering.

Please indicate your availability and number of volunteers when registering.  Based on existing schedule and confirmed volunteers, Midwest Food Bank will follow-up with you and send a link with the next steps necessary to complete your registration and waiver. 

If you have any questions, please contact Ileen Grebner at 309-691-5270 ext. 1 or igrebner@midwestfoodbank.org. 

Every Tuesday and Thursday morning from 8:30AM to 12:00PM, we receive donations for our Hope Store. We would love to have your help sorting through donated items and getting them ready for our shoppers and case workers that come through our doors on a regular basis. Our DCP Hope Store team plays a huge role in serving our community!

For more information and a volunteer application, please email volunteers@dreamcenterpeoria.org. There is an $8 fee for the background check. 

Thank you for serving with us!

Are you looking for way for your team to benefit our community?

Dream Center Peoria has a current need for toiletry bags. Your team could host a drive to collect toiletry items and create hygiene bags for our Hope Store.

A hygiene bag includes the following:

Women:

Men:

Kids:

Thank you for helping us serve those in need. Please contact us at volunteers@dreamcenterpeoria.org with any questions!

Do you enjoy using your artistic or writing abilities to encourage others? 

Dream Center Peoria has a shelter for people experiencing homelessness. Uplifting cards have the opportunity to bring encouragement to our guests.

Cards or notes of encouragement can be sent to the following address:

Shelter Guest

714 Hamilton Blvd

Peoria, IL 61603

*Please do not provide your last name or address on the return label. Write DCP's address as the return address.*

Please do NOT include your last name, phone number, or other pertinent information on your card/letter. 

Thank you for encouraging our guests! 

Do you like working with kids? Are you looking for an opportunity to bring excitement into education for our students? You can volunteer any weekday with our DCP Students' Tutor Program! 

A weekly commitment would be preferred but not necessary. Teaching experience is helpful but not required. Volunteers have the ability to pick which day of the week works best for them. Additional information can be requested from volunteers@dreamcenterpeoria.org. If you have a specific skill/trade that you are interested in teaching, contact the above email to learn how you can partner with us.

Please email volunteers@dreamcenterpeoria.org with your completed application form found below before volunteering. 

There is an $8 dollar payment for background checks. You can make your payment on our website by clicking the donation button and adding "background check" in the note section OR drop off the amount with your volunteer application. The DCFS background check on the third page of the application does need to have a physical signature— it can not be electronically signed.

Thank you for partnering with our DCP Students after-school program! 

Calling all talented artists with a passion for inclusivity and creativity! We invite you to join us in a unique and inspiring collaboration that celebrates the power of art to transcend barriers. We are thrilled to announce the "Inspiring Abilities Art Show," an event dedicated to showcasing the remarkable artworks co-created by artists and adults with disabilities. This is an extraordinary opportunity to make a positive impact while fostering creativity, connection, and understanding

The Inspiring Abilities Art Show aims to break down societal barriers and highlight the beauty of diversity through collaborative artworks. We are seeking artists who are open to working closely with adults with disabilities to jointly create meaningful and impactful pieces of art. This collaboration will not only produce remarkable artwork but also foster personal growth, shared experiences, and friendships that extend beyond the canvas.

Collaborative artworks can encompass various mediums, including painting, sculpture, digital art, and mixed media.  Artists and adults with disabilities will work together over a designated period to create their artwork.