Needs From: Heart of Illinois Volunteers

The holiday season is just around the corner, and what better way to share some joy, love, and kindness to those who receive services from our partner agencies than by creating a heartfelt, handmade card? Your card could brighten someone's day.

We invite you to create kindhearted cards and notes to bring warmth and encouragement to individuals. Whether you're an experienced crafter or just want to try something new, your contribution will have a meaningful impact. Use your creativity to design cards with heartfelt messages, holiday cheer, and kind wishes. It’s a simple act of kindness that can go a long way. Let's come together and make this holiday season a little brighter!

"Spreading Holiday Cheer" 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. We ask that all holiday cards are delivered no later than December 19. 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.

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

Join the Magic of Our Annual Toy Shop!

Get ready to sprinkle some holiday cheer and make a difference at our festive Toy Shop and Food Box Distribution event! We’re on the lookout for spirited volunteers to help make this event a smashing success and bring joy to families in need.

How You Can Help:

Shift Details:

Location: Our holiday headquarters will be at the Toy Warehouse inside Northwoods Mall Peoria. The exact address will be shared with you once you’ve signed up and your volunteer role is confirmed.

Parking: More details to come!

Dress Code: Dress comfortably and warmly – Christmas attire is highly encouraged! Get festive with sweaters, Santa hats, or anything that adds to the holiday spirit.

Personal Items: For security and convenience, please leave personal belongings like purses and wallets in your car or at home. We’ll have a special area for volunteer coats.

Perks: Enjoy delicious food and drinks available before or after your shift. We want to keep you fueled and festive!

Volunteers who speak Spanish or know sign language is a PLUS!

Have Questions or Ready to Join the Fun? Reach out to our cheerful Volunteer Coordinator, Maddison Barnard, at 309-253-9909 or email maddison.barnard@usc.salvationarmy.org.

Come be part of something special and help make this holiday season magical for our community. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

'Tis the season to make a difference! We are seeking enthusiastic volunteers to help prepare for our annual Christmas card delivery. We need hands to help us efficiently sign, stuff, and seal hundreds of cards that will be distributed to members of our community this holiday season.

It's a great way to meet neighbors, connect with friends, and give back. We’ll provide the snacks and hot chocolate—you just bring the holiday spirit! 

The holidays are always busy at the Children's Home, with over 1,800 youth and families served every month, we are excited to gear up for the festivities ahead. Last year, thanks to our generous community, we fulfilled over 1,100 personalized Wish Lists, and this year we hope to make an even bigger impact! We need Holiday Volunteers to help with a variety of tasks, including:

Whether you're a family, group, or individual, we welcome anyone willing to donate their time and make a difference this holiday season. Opportunities are Monday-Friday, between 9am and 4pm, starting November 18th until December 19th.

For more information, please contact Renatta Hoffer, Volunteer and Community Engagement Coordinator, at renatta.hoffer@chail.org or (309) 687-8100.

FRIENDS is looking for volunteers to help us with our annual Holiday Luncheon for people living with HIV!

FRIENDS is looking for 30-40 volunteers to support one areas of need:

Volunteers will meet at the Carle Health Methodist Atrium Medical Office Center

Notes for Volunteer Drivers

Thank you for your support of this event! Please reach out to Trevor Neff with any questions:

We are in need of 20 or so volunteers to help us wrap presents for our Littles that they will receive at our annual Holiday party. Supplies provided, but we will accept donations of wrapping paper! Not necessary though. 

We invite you to help us spread holiday cheer through our 40th Annual Stocking Stuffer Store. During this event, you will either act as a personal shopper volunteer to assist kids (ages 2-12) in selecting special holiday gifts for their families and loved ones. Please wear comfortable clothes and holiday wear!

Please note the following:

If you have any other questions or would like more information before signing up, please get in touch with:

Join us for Luthy Lights!
Experience the magic of an illuminated garden filled with themed light scenes, festive food and beverages, live music, and the beautiful holiday display of poinsettias in the Conservatory.

Volunteers will assist Luthy Botanical Garden staff with event activities such as maintaining outdoor fire pits, helping at the s'mores station, assisting at the photo booth, and greeting guests as they arrive.

The holiday season is here, and we need your help spreading joy!

Our Adopt Our Families program connects generous community donors with local families in need and now it’s time to wrap all those wonderful gifts!

When: December 10–11
Time: 5:00–7:30 PM
Where: 720 W Joan Ct Peoria IL 61614

We’re looking for volunteers to help wrap presents for our clients and their families. Whether you’re a wrapping pro or just bring good holiday cheer, we’d love to have you join us!

All supplies will be provided just bring your holiday spirit. If you do have extra wrapping supplies, you are welcome to bring it!

TCRC is hosting their Annual Pancakes & Pictures with Santa event on Saturday, December 13th from 8am-12pm and would love to have some strikingly elf-ish volunteers to help with set-up of the event, serving breakfast, assisting with pictures, busing tables if need be and then those to help with clean-up afterwards.

Join us for a festive day at the Santa Brunch and help make the season merry and bright! Volunteers will assist Zoo staff in creating a warm and welcoming holiday experience for our guests.

Volunteers will assist Zoo staff in serving brunch to guests, ensuring food and beverages are replenished throughout the event. Help bus tables and maintain a clean and tidy dining area. Assist with event setup before guests arrive and cleanup after the event concludes.

This is a great opportunity to spread holiday cheer, gain event experience, and be part of a fun community tradition!

Thank you so much your interest in volunteering to wrap holiday gifts for the children and families in FamilyCore's care!  We appreciate your help in spreading holiday cheer for these deserving individuals.

We have two shifts available for our one-day Gift Wrapping Blitz on Sunday, December 7:  1:00 pm - 3:30 pm and 3:30 pm - 6:00 pm.  

This sign-up is for the 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm shift!

Location: FamilyCore's offices (330 SW Washington St., Peoria, IL 61602)     

Can’t volunteer? You can still help! We need gift wrapping supplies: wrapping paper, tape, gift bags, tissue paper, and gift tags. Thank you in advance for your help and donation!

Glen Oak Park will be transformed into a Winter Wonderland, and will have special events going on at the Peoria PlayHouse, Peoria Zoo and Luthy Botanical Gardens. Volunteers will be needed to assist at these locations and throughout Glen Oak Park to assist patrons attending our Winter Wonderland Event.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! CFPA is hosting its annual “Adopt Our Families” campaign to support clients and families this holiday season. CFPA is actively seeking community donors to purchase items from the General Wish List. If you are interested purchasing items form the General Wish List, please review the list here: General Wish List or email Jillian at jbearce@centerforpreventionofabuse.org.

Santa is coming to Pearce! We’re looking for cheerful volunteers to help make this festive event a success. Volunteers will assist with serving a delicious pancake and sausage breakfast, selling tickets, and helping with setup and cleanup.

This is a fun way to spread holiday joy, give back to the community, and make special memories for local families. Whether you love the magic of Christmas or just enjoy helping others, we’d love to have you on our team!

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.

The Catholic Diocese of Peoria is looking for volunteers to help wrap gifts this holiday season.

Opportunities are available from November 17 to November 25, as well as December 1 to December 12 (closed on December 8 and weekends). 

If you are interested in volunteering for this cause, please reply to this need or reach out directly to Sister Clare Key. 

Thank you so much your interest in volunteering to wrap holiday gifts for the children and families in FamilyCore's care!  We appreciate your help in spreading holiday cheer for these deserving individuals.

We have two shifts available for our one-day Gift Wrapping Blitz on Sunday, December 7:  1:00 pm - 3:30 pm and 3:30 pm - 6:00 pm.  

This sign-up is for the 3:30 pm - 6:00 pm shift!

Location: FamilyCore's offices (330 SW Washington St., Peoria, IL 61602)     

Can’t volunteer? You can still help! We need gift wrapping supplies: wrapping paper, tape, gift bags, tissue paper, and gift tags. Thank you in advance for your help and donation!