Needs From: Heart of Illinois Volunteers

EP!C’s Educational Services Program enables individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to build the skills and knowledge necessary to enrich their lives through enjoyable, productive, and therapeutic day programming. We envision a world where people with intellectual and developmental disabilities have every opportunity to achieve their best, and in Educational Services we aim to turn that vision into a reality with a variety of education options. 

If looking to volunteer more than once and over the age of 17 a background check is required.  

You can sign up to lead one to however many sessions of something that you have a special interest or expertise in teaching. The times would be from 9:30a to 10:30a &/or 12p to 1p. It could be that you sign up to facilitate something reoccurring (like a book club), or maybe you want to sign up to just teach one thing (like a singular cooking course).

Some of our people's interests include

Please reach out if you have any ideas for an activity or class.

Alzheimer's Association Community Representatives are community engagers that raise awareness of Alzheimer's Association programs, provide basic disease information, and link consumers to Alzheimer’s Association services. Our representatives serve as liaisons between the Alzheimer's Association and local groups such as neighborhoods, rural counties, businesses, and civic organizations or faith communities.

These volunteers represent the Alzheimer’s Association by sharing information about Alzheimer’s disease, free resources offered through the Alzheimer’s Association, and the many ways to join our cause at local community and education events.  There are also opportunities to do short educational presentations for those who are interested.

Training is provided.

To learn more and/or to complete the application process please go to:

the Alzheimer's Association Community Rep Page

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.

Do you have one hour a week to spend with a young person in our community?

If you do, then consider becoming a mentor!

Now more than ever, youth need positive role models and a listening ear. Whether your skills and interests include helping with homework and career planning, leading a game or sport, playing video or board games, or just grabbing lunch and chatting with a student, you can help to make a difference for local youth through this opportunity.  

Goodwill Industries is looking for a male role model to meet one-on-one directly with youth in the Peoria and surrounding areas on a weekly basis. We will work with your schedule to find the perfect opportunity that fits your and the students' needs. We will provide training and staff guidance to help you to build a positive relationship with the student.

If you are interested in helping youth in the community, please contact GoodGuides Program Coordinator, Meg Marin, at mmarin@goodwillpeo.org for more information. 

Goodwill is looking for a friendly and caring individual who would be willing to spend their time mentoring local youth who are a part of a small group at a local Peoria middle or high school. Group sizes are typically 4-5 youth and meet during school hours.

If you would be willing to volunteer just one hour a week to positively impact youths' lives, please consider volunteering your time as a GoodGuides Youth Mentor.

If you have any questions or want to learn more, please reach out to GoodGuides Program Coordinator, Meg Marin, at mmarin@goodwillpeo.org

For over 157 years, the Children's Home has been dedicated to our mission of helping the kids and families who need it most. We have two fully functioning schools, Academy for Autism and Kiefer, where volunteers are needed for hosting workshops! Workshops can teach our youth important life skills such as cooking, finances, art or yoga classes, or how to prepare for a job interview. If you or someone you know is interested, please contact Renatta Hoffer at renatta.hoffer@chail.org. 

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.

Help with one of our special events! Whether you like to plan events, decorate events, gather silent auctions, or take photos at an event--- we can use your help! 

Fill out a volunteer interest form on our website here: https://www.fostervillageaustin.org/volunteer

We host 3 Special Events & a Holiday Party each year!  We would love for you to get involved in helping us with one of our events!

Note: We have an upcoming special event interest meeting on September 6th. Sign up for more info! 

Fostering Love Gala (February)

This is our most upscale event with evening dinner and dancing. We have a featured speaker, music, and many silent auctions. It takes a team of behind the scenes and on-site volunteers to make this event happen! 

Lemonade Stand Fundraiser (May)

This consists of a month-long fundraiser, where families and businesses can host their unlimited stand and donate the proceeds to Foster Village Peoria. Lemonade stands, have a chance to earn a prize by being the most creative, most money raised, most unique stand, etc. Each week on social media Foster Village Peoria post for the upcoming lemonade stands will be happening and individual lemonade stands, advertise to their family, friends, circle of support. Most of the volunteering is behind the scenes, planning and promoting. 

3rd annual birthday brunch ( June 28, 2025)

This is a brunch fundraiser birthday party bash that encourages the community to come and hear about our services. We have a barista cart, do a trivia game to learn about Foster Village Peoria, and have many awesome silent auctions. We need a medium-size crew to help plan an execute this event.

Holiday open house party (December) 

This holiday party is an open house celebration for the families we have served. Youth affected by foster care and their caregivers can come and enjoy Christmas spirit. Sensory Santa provides meet and greets and Christmas photos we provide Christmas refreshments, an ornament making station, a scavenger hunt with prizes, and Christmas gifts for youth who registered. We need about a dozen volunteers on site during the party to run this event.

 We are looking for individuals, groups, businesses, restaurants, families, etc., to prepare meals for the families staying at Family House. 

The Heart of the House Meal Program provides a way to extend care and comfort to our families who appreciate a home-cooked meal before going to the hospital, or upon return from a long day of medical treatments, or spending the day at the bedside of their loved one. 

Home-cooked meals keep the families from having to go to restaurants, eating out the vending machines,  having to cook after being at the hospital all day, and it allows them to just sit down and unwind. 

Here are some ways to ensure our guests can enjoy a nice meal during their stay:

We have two communal kitchens with everything you need to cook with. We have  3 barbecue grills outside. You will just need to provide the food you are planning to prepare. The number of families varies day by day, but you can call close to the day you are coming to get a count of how many families we have.

For additional information, don't hesitate to get in touch with our Operations Manager, Melissa Young, at myoung@familyhousepeoria.org or call 309.685.5300

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:

Hygiene Products (toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, soap, feminine products)

Pantry Items (non-perishables, canned goods, shelf-stable snacks)

Men’s Shelter Essentials (new/gently used socks, belts, shoes, underwear, t-shirts)

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.

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.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

This specific activity takes place at The Salvation Army's Warehouse, located at 417 NE Adams St. in downtown Peoria. The supervisor of this volunteer activity will be the Food Pantry Manager. 

If you are interested in this volunteer activity, please respond to this "volunteer need" or contact Volunteer Coordinator, Maddison Barnard at maddison.barnard@usc.salvationarmy.org or 309-253-9909

Help Change a Child's Story. Become a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for a children in the foster care system who have experienced abuse or neglect.

Have you been looking for a way to volunteer in your community that will have a lasting impact? CASAs change the trajectory of a child's life for the better! As a specially trained community volunteer appointed to a child in the child welfare system you:

Our vision is to make sure that every child who has experienced abuse or neglect is placed in a safe, permanent, and loving home as quickly as possible and a CASA helps make that a reality!

Interested in learning more about this rewarding volunteer opportunity? Respond to this need and we'll contact you with the schedule for our next Volunteer Informational Sessions and next 30-hour pre-service training. You can also visit our website or contact us at casa@peoriacounty.org.

Thank you!

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.

Have you recently retired or found yourself with more time on your hands? Do you have a desire to make a meaningful contribution to your community and be a guiding force for the next generations? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you!

Artists ReEnvisioning Tomorrow Inc (ART Inc), founded in 2018 by Jonathon and Nikki Romain, is Peoria's leading non-profit organization that fosters arts and culture. Our mission is to provide valuable arts education opportunities to nearly 500 students annually. The dedicated team at ART Inc, including staff, board members, volunteers, and teaching artists, tirelessly strive to create programs that empower every student to unlock their full potential through the arts, regardless of their financial means.

Located at The Romain Arts & Culture Center (The RACC) in downtown Peoria, we operate during core hours from 10 AM to 6 PM, Monday through Friday. However, we do offer flexibility with shorter hours to better fit your schedule while contributing to our cause.

We are actively seeking individuals with expertise in Maintenance-related fields. If you have experience in:

Your skills are needed at ART Inc!

Please email alanna@artincpeoria.org for any questions about volunteering. 

Snyder Village is in need of a volunteer(s) to deliver meals to residents on the Snyder Village campus on Saturday afternoons.  Meals are ready for delivery at 11:50 a.m. and the delivery route takes approximately 30-45 minutes to complete.

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

Recreational Volunteers engage the children with play activities such as reading, puzzles, sensory toys or holding. Opportunities are available seven days a week.

Recreational Volunteer Requirements:

Almost Home Kids is not an appropriate site for court-mandated service hours.

Are you someone who wants to help out in your community more regularly? Are you looking for ways to build up Peoria in meaningful ways? 

ART Inc. is looking for YOU! 

Artists ReEnvisioning Tomorrow Inc (ART Inc), founded in 2018 by Jonathon and Nikki Romain, is Peoria’s foremost arts and culture non-profit organization. ART Inc provides arts education opportunities to nearly 500 students each year. The staff, board, volunteers, and teaching artists of ART Inc work tirelessly to generate programs for all students to imagine, create, and realize their full potential through the arts, regardless of their ability to pay.

We're looking for individuals who are responsible and willing to help with all aspects of ART Inc’s Arts Science & Leadership Academy (ASALA) program. The ASALA program is designed for students in 1st-8th grade. ASALA also includes Youth Leadership Teachers (high school students) who assist in classrooms as needed. YLTs are paid interns, but can also participate in any classes provided in ASALA. 

ASALA occurs Monday through Friday from 2:30-6PM, with the possibility of additional Saturday classes. 

Program Assistants help ASALA by providing outstanding program services: transportation of students from school to ART Inc programs at The Romain Arts & Culture Center, assisting with all programs & events by monitoring, greeting, maintaining cleanliness, providing up to date information, checking in and out. 

Mental and Physical Requirements:

Background check, Drivers License, and clean driving record required. 

Be a superhero to someone who needs blood! 

Volunteers Needed 

This position supports the Regional Biomedical Services department (Your Local Area). This opportunity requires participation in in-person activities and/or performing work in a Red Cross facility. 

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!

Alzheimer's Association Community Educators are volunteer public speakers who help raise awareness, provide education and expand the reach of Alzheimer's Association programs in your community.  

Our educators deliver Alzheimer’s Association Core Curriculum and Awarness Presentations using prepared training materials on topics related to Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias as well as information for individuals and families impacted by the disease.  We also lean on these volunteers to utilize their local connections to work with us to open new doors in their communities. Providing education online is also a service opportunity. 

Training is provided and all work is done in collaboration with staff partners.  We want to empower people to make a real difference in their community!

Support Group Facilitators create a safe, open environment where people share their feelings, thoughts, and experiences in a combined effort to better cope with and manage the shared problems of dementia. The goal of Alzheimer's Association support groups is to provide emotional, social, and /or educational support to group members. As facilitators, individuals may be responsible for general caregivers, adult children, spouses, gender-specific or language-specific groups.

Training is provided and all work is done in collaboration with staff partners.

To learn more and/or to complete the application process please go to:  

the Alzheimer's Association Support Group Facilitator page.

 Currently, our biggest volunteer need is for a Patient Escort Volunteer. Duties include:

Volunteering as a Patient Escort is a great way to learn about the hospital setting, interact with patients and visitors, and help people feel welcome.

For more information contact:

Learners are waiting. We NEED you.

DID YOU KNOW, 1 in 6 adults in the U.S. cannot read, write, or do basic math above a third-grade level. You can change that number. Become a tutor and help one person be on the right side of a statistic. 

YOU CAN HELP!   Become a tutor for adults in our community who need assistance with basic reading, math, and English language proficiency skills, as well as English Second Language and GED preparation.

EMAIL: literacy@ywcapekin.org to register for our next tutor training class.

Activities are so important to residents living in a long term care facility!  Monthly we incorporate field trips away from the facility to help residents feel engaged and enjoy things in the community.  We are looking for volunteers to help chaperone and push residents in wheelchairs during our monthly field trips.  We take field trips to places like the Peoria Riverfront Museum, Fondulac Farm Park, Wheels of Times, shopping trips and more!  

For more information on volunteering at Snyder Village please contact Ashley Thompson by phone at 309-366-4135 or email at athompson@snydervillage.com

Our medical center is grateful for those who can offer their computer and clerical skills to us!  We have several different office locations to pick from! 

We are looking for individuals who are social and like to meet new people! This position allows you to interact with patients (adults and/or kids) and assist with small but meaningful tasks such as reading a book, stocking items, delivering flowers etc.  

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. 

Looking for a way to help those in need?

Midwest Food Bank is looking for volunteers to pick up food from our local grocers. Fresh and frozen foods are brought back to our warehouse and distributed to multiple food pantries and feeding programs that would have to purchase foods or do without.

Volunteers use our vehicles. We have 2 routes that run throughout the week. One of our 2 routes does not require any special drivers license. We are also seeking volunteers that may have a "C" drivers license to help operate the vehicle for the second route (or may be willing to obtain a C license).

Routes run mornings starting at 7:30 a.m. Monday through Friday. Some lifting and loading required. Approximately 3-4 hours needed. There are 2 volunteers that work together on each route.

You can sign up for once a month or several times a month. It is up to you! We have many great volunteers who support these routes and would love to have you join us! 

We currently have a great need for help with these routes. We would love to explore if this is a way that you can give back to those in need!  If you have any questions, please contact Ileen Grebner at 309-691-5270 ext. 1 or igrebner@midwestfoodbank.org. 

Thank YOU!

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. 

Within our Food Pantry Network, we accept emergency food requests for families experiencing a one time need for food. Often these requests are fulfilled with food from our food pantries or food banks, however transportation for the food delivery is limited. By accepting this food run, you would assist with overcoming this barrier!!

Your contact information (name, email, and phone number) would be added to our listserv. As emergency food deliveries are requested, we would send an e-mail to the listserv with the opportunity to accept the food run. Upon accepting the food run, we would provide information including the address of pickup for food and address of client for delivery. 

Every Thursday EP!C holds Power Teams for our individuals that are living and are a part of our host homes program. We are always looking for new ideas of things to do during power teams. If you have an idea of an activity that you would be interested in leading then this is the volunteer opportunity for you. 

Power teams run from 3pm to around 6 or 7pm and we can provide all supplies needed. 

Some ideas of activities include:

Do you know your way around a kitchen? Are you eager to volunteer prepping, cooking and baking, cleaning, meals in our commercial kitchen with our DCP chef and kitchen staff? Then you've come to the right place!

We will be allowing 1 to 2 volunteers to come help each week with making meals in the new kitchen. Volunteer as little as one hour or stay all day. Volunteer opportunities are for Monday through Friday 9AM - 3PM. Come in as often as you are available!

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

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!

Have a heart for kids and looking to plug in somewhere? We would love to have you volunteer with our after school program!

We are in need of classroom assistants. This includes assisting our DCP Students staff with any classroom needs that they may have.

DCP Students volunteer hours are from 2:45PM to 5PM during the school year. Must be 18+. 

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

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 us!

We are looking for a few strong volunteers to help unload the box truck after our Food Manager has been to Midwest Food Bank for the month. This happens on the 2nd or 3rd Thursday morning each month around 9:45 am for about an hour or two.

Please fill out the volunteer application and email it to volunteers@dreamcenterpeoria.org. There is an $8 fee included in the application for the background check. 

Thank you for partnering with Dream Center Peoria in this need!

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! 

Being a Big Brother or Big Sister is one of the most enjoyable and fulfilling things you’ll ever do. You have the opportunity to help shape a child’s future for the better by empowering him or her to achieve their highest potential. We match Bigs and Littles based off of similar interests, so you and your Little can share the kinds of activities you already like to do!

Play sports together. Go on a hike. Read books. Eat a pizza with extra anchovies. Or just give some advice and inspiration. Whatever it is you enjoy, odds are you’ll enjoy it even more with your Little—and you’ll be making a life-changing impact. You can get involved in either the Community-Based or Site-Based program!

Community-Based

Our traditional mentoring program allows the Big and Little to spend time together at least twice a month for a few hours at a time. Community-Based matches engage in activities that they both enjoy, such as going out for ice cream, attending local sporting events, baking cookies, and going to the zoo. Right now we are encouraging matches to maintain social distance while spending time together, choose outdoor activities whenever possible, and connect virtually!

Site-Based "Lunch Buddies"

Our Site-Based mentoring program, also known as “Lunch Buddies” allows the Big and the Little to see each other during the child’s lunchtime. This is a very easy way for many volunteers to get their feet wet, as the time commitment is minimal (1/2 hour each week). Matches spend the time chatting, working on homework, or playing games.*

*This Fall, matches will not be meeting in-person for the Lunch Buddies program. Virtual programming is coming soon.

What do we achieve?

Big Brothers Big Sisters helps children achieve success in school, avoid risky behaviors such as getting into fights and trying drugs and alcohol, and improve their self-confidence. We hold ourselves accountable to our supporters by regularly measuring our impact.

Who do we serve?

Big Brothers Big Sisters serves children between 5 and 18 years of age in Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, Knox, and Fulton counties. Our network of volunteers, donors, and supporters comes from all walks of life.

What do we do?
We create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.

Please call our office at 309.637.1771 or email Hannah Daly (h.daly@hoibbbs.org) to get started today!

Available Shifts

Sun 7am-11pm

Mon 8:30am-12:30 & 12:30pm-4:30pm

Tues 11am-3pm & 3pm-7pm

Wed 3pm-7pm

Sat 7am-11am & 11am-3pm

This position supports the Regional Biomedical Services department. This opportunity requires participation in in-person activities and/or performing work in a Red Cross facility.

The purpose of the Blood Donor Ambassador is to provide excellent and enthusiastic customer service to enhance the blood donor experience. Engage with blood donors to promote blood donation and set the stage for a long-term commitment to regular blood donations. Assist donors with re-hydrating after donation and observe for post-donation reactions. Express gratitude and ensure each blood donor is sincerely thanked for their donation.

GET REDCROSS SWAG!!!!!!!

If interested or for questions Sasha.WelchMoore@redcross.org / (309)322-0566

This position supports the Regional Biomedical Services department. This opportunity requires participation in in-person activities and/or performing work in a Red Cross facility.

The Volunteer Medical Screener provides support to blood collection operation by performing regulated medical screening of potential blood donors.

Key Responsibilities

Collect and determine procedure eligibility

Conduct physical exam, to include oral temperature, pulse, BP and hematocrit by accepted process

Facilitate and evaluate health history (typically self-administered by donor)

Comply with applicable Federal, State and local regulations as well as all American Red Cross policies, procedures and guidelines

Attend relevant meetings, skill competency assessments, and updates

Being punctual and dependable for all assignments

Time Commitments

2 shifts per month after approximately 140-hour orientation and training commitment. Ongoing competency assessment and training as required

If you are interested in this position or would like to discuss this position further contact Sasha.WelchMoore@redcross.org/ 309-322-0566

This position supports the Regional Disaster Cycle Services department.

Save lives and prevent injury by providing leadership and/or support to Disaster Cycle Services (DCS) team members by supporting the Prepare with Pedro program. The 30-45-minute presentation provides emergency preparedness education to youth in grades K-2 (ages 4-7) in school classrooms and other settings by following Pedro the Penguin as he learns how to be prepared and take action during an emergency. Team member roles include either being a presenter, presentation assistant, administrative support, or presenter trainer

For more info or to apply contact Sasha.WelchMoore@redcross.org

Worker roles include either being a presenter, presentation assistant, administrative support, or presenter trainer. Depending on which worker role you choose, your key responsibilities will vary.

Presenter Worker Role responsibilities may include but are not limited to:

Presentation Assistant Worker Role responsibilities may include but are not limited to:

Did You know volunteers carry out over 90% of he humanitarian work of the Red Cross!

Commitment: 2-4 Hours/Week

Do:

Develop and implement plans to bring new volunteers to the Red Cross

Share the excitement of the Red Cross mission with diverse audiences

Gain:

Oral & Written Communication

Teamwork & Collaboration

Professionalism & Customer Service

Intercultural Fluency

Beyond region: (Deploy Minimum of 14 days working)

Transportation Specialist 

Do you or someone you know have a love for the road? Do you or someone you know enjoy alone time? If so, this position may be for you. We currently have a need for 3-4 Blood Drivers. These drivers are needed Sunday & Monday for our St. Louis runs. These individuals would start in Peoria and be responsible for transporting blood & blood products between these two cities. If you’d like more info on this opportunity or if this sounds like something, you’d be interested in please contact me for more info. 

https://youtu.be/X-hTsLecWDk

Sasha Welch-Moore

309-322-0566/ Sasha.Welchmoore@redcross.org 

                                  Blood Donor Ambassador (EXTREME NEED)

•          Greet donors, explain the donation process as necessary and assist with initial intake and hand offs                    through the blood donation process

•          Manage donor flow at temp taking station to ensure only donors passing temp screen are permitted                    access.

•          Explain purpose of temperature screen to donors and ensure they understand reason for deferral if                      applicable.

•          Direct donor to next step of donation or options for future donations if deferred.

•          Model excellent customer service behaviors.

•          Ensure blood donors have relevant information and that questions are answered appropriately while                    creating a favorable impression of the blood donation process.

•          Learn and share the Red Cross story, including the mission, vision, and values

•          Provide customer service to donors in the Hospitality Area by ensuring that each donor is recognized for              his/her contribution. Report possible adverse post-donation physical reactions to the collections staff.

•          Set up and maintain cleanliness in Reception and Hospitality Areas, and Donor Areas/Beds as requested

•          Work with collections team supervisor or charge staff to match donor’s blood type with the best product              for maximum impact

•          Responsible to inform donors of current and upcoming donation promotions

•          May make reminder/cancellation calls, re-schedule donor appointments, and perform follow up activities              as directed

This position supports the Regional Biomedical Services department (Your Local Area). This opportunity requires participation in in-person activities and/or performing work in a Red Cross facility.