The holiday season is a time for giving. What better way to give than to give back to others in need in Peoria? Not only does it help our Peoria grow stronger, but if you involve your children, it gives them a lifelong lesson in the importance of helping others when you can. With that in mind, here are ways you and your family can get involved in giving back in Peoria this holiday season ... and all year long.
Know of a toy, clothing, or food drive we missed or a volunteer opportunity in Peoria we left out? Let us know by sending an email to julibriggs@macaronikid.com and we'll add it to our list!
Donating toys, clothes, or food in Peoria
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Toy Drives in Peoria
Toys for Tots
Details: The Marine Toys for Tots Program collects new unwrapped toys and distributes them to less fortunate children at Christmas. This year they are collaborating with the Salvation Army and Threads, Hope, and Love. You can sign up to volunteer HERE
How to donate: You can donate online or find a local drop off site here
Have questions? Visit the Peoria/Tazewell Website OR Jake Turner at (309) 416-9539 OR EMAIL peoria.il@toysfortots.org
How to sign up to receive toys: Sign-up online HERE. There is a list of in-person sign-up spots on the website.
Toyz N Da Neighborhood toy drive
Details: The drive is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13, at Artists ReEnvisioning Tomorrow on Northeast Jefferson Avenue.
How to donate: https://www.productoftheproject.org/donations | Toy drop-off sites: St. Paul Baptist Church, Peoria Public Schools District 150, Uftring Weston Chevrolet Cadillac, and Bremer Jewelry. You can also Text “309TOYS” to 53555 to donate.
Have questions? Call the fire dept. at (309) 382-2895
How to sign up to receive toys: Get on the waitlist HERE
Marquette Heights Toy and Food Drive
Details: Come out November 23th at the Marquette Heights Fire Dept. to meet Santa! He’ll be there from 10 am to noon and 1 pm to 3 pm, ready for holiday photos with kids, families, and even pets!
How to donate: Bring non-perishable food, new toys, or cash donations to support Christmas food and toy drives.
Have questions? Call the fire dept. at (309) 382-2895
How to sign up to receive toys: Coming soon
Santa Bill's Hospital Helpers
Details: "Our mission is to ensure that each and every child at Children's Hospital of Illinois in OSF Saint Francis Hospital, Carle Health Greater Peoria, and their affiliates (including OSF Almost Home, OSF Bloomington, OSF Galesburg, OSF Kewanee, CH Proctor, CH Pekin, and many more) will feel the magic that Santa brings and the joy of a Merry Christmas." Please donate new stuffed animals, board games, art supplies, sports memorabilia, dolls, action figures, STEM-based educational toys, bicycles, IPADs, Chromebooks and everything in between
How to donate: https://santabillshospitalhelpers.org/how-to-help
Have questions? Join the Facebook Group for all of the details!
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Clothing/Coat Drives in Peoria
Coats will be available.
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Food Drives in Peoria
Stuff a Bus Peoria
Details: The 38th Annual Stuff-A-Bus Food Drive Returns from October 10 through December 1, 2025
- Protein – Canned Meat, Beef Stew, Tuna, Canned Chili, Peanut Butter, Canned and Dried Beans
- Fruits & Vegetables – Canned Fruit, Canned Vegetables, Canned Soup, Fruit Juices, Jelly
- Carbohydrates – Pasta, Rice, Instant Potatoes, Macaroni & Cheese, Cereal, Pancake Mix, Oatmeal, Cake Mixes
- Dairy – Canned Milk, Instant Pudding
How to donate: All Peoria Kroger stores are participating in this year’s Stuff-a-Bus campaign, which includes the stores in Peoria located at 9219 Lindbergh Dr.; and 801 W. Lake Ave. The Kroger store in East Peoria, located at 201 S. Main St. is also participating. New this year is the Kroger store in Pekin, located at 1607 Broadway St. The participating Kroger stores will have donation displays available that include non-perishable food items that are needed at the Peoria Friendship House food pantry. Shoppers can simply purchase items from the displays or purchase food off the shelves and place the donations in the bins located at the front of the stores.
The following businesses/organizations are also serving as drop off locations during the 2025
Stuff-A-Bus food drive:
- CityLink Administrative offices (129 Van Buren Street, Peoria, IL 61603)
- Jones Bros. Jewelers (7705 North Grand Prairie Drive, Peoria, IL 61615)
- West Peoria City Hall (2421 W. Rohmann Avenue, West Peoria, IL 61604)
- WMBD Studios (3131 N. University Street, Peoria, IL 61604)
- Embassy Suites (100 Conference Center Dr, East Peoria, IL 61611)
- Busey Bank Peoria Locations (4520 N Sheridan Road; 8919 Knoxville Avenue; 405 N William Kumpf Boulvard; 6699 N Sheridan Road, 2120 SW Adams Street)
Have questions? Check the Facebook page for the most up to date information.
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Giving trees in Peoria
A Giving Tree is a Christmas tree with ornaments for generous people to select to donate Christmas gifts for children in need.
EP!C - 1913 W Townline Rd, Peoria, IL
St. Joseph Church - 107 North Richard Pryor Place, Peoria, IL 61605
Sacred Heart Church - 504 Fulton St, Peoria, IL
Chillicothe Library - 430 N Bradley Ave Chillicothe, IL
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Donating time in Peoria
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Looking to volunteer your family's time this holiday season in Peoria? Here are some local organizations in Peoria that welcome help:
Midwest Food Bank
Details: There is a current need for food distribution volunteers(14+) and packing Family Food Boxes volunteers (13+) .
How to get started: You can sign-up and find opportunities HERE
Foster Pet Outreach
Details: Volunteers opportunities: fostering, outreach, transportation, special events/fundraising, building maintenance, and more. Volunteers must be 18 years or older, or get a parent’s signature for someone between the ages of 15-17. Any volunteers between the ages of 12-15 must be accompanied by a parent.
How to get started: Fill out the application at the bottom of this page.
Dream Center Peoria
Details: There is a huge list of volunteer opportunities that you can see HERE and HERE
How to get started: If you have had a background check you may fill out the application on this page. If you've not completed a background check email volunteers@dreamcenterpeoria.org
Check out Volunteer Match for more volunteer opportunities in Peoria
