Tree of Lights 2021 Results
The Salvation Army of Peoria is feeling extremely grateful after a successful Tree of Lights Campaign which raised money to support local efforts that help community members struggling to get by. The generosity shown throughout the 2021 campaign raised $2,047,954.36, exceeding our goal for the year.
“We are very blessed to be able to help our neighbors who can’t put food on their tables, who have nowhere to lay their head at night, and who can’t make ends meet. We can only do this work because of the generous support given by those individuals and businesses who join us in making a real impact on people in need.” - said Major Heath Sells, Tri-County Coordinator for The Salvation Army
The money raised during the annual Tree of Lights Campaign stays in the community and is used to provide vital services throughout the year for people who are struggling. Eight-five cents of every dollar goes directly to providing programs and services.
The Salvation Army in Peoria has seen an overall increase in services requested this past year. During 2021, The Salvation Army served nearly 140,000 meals and provided more than 10,000 nights of lodging for men who would have otherwise had no place to stay. The Family Shelter helped 53 families providing nearly 5,200 nights of lodging to moms, dads and 142 children.
“Since the eviction moratorium expired and the additional supplemental unemployment money was discontinued, requests for rent or utility assistance more than doubled and we saw an increase in the number of food boxes being distributed. The need is great and the contributions from the community will have a direct impact on people in need right here in the Peoria area.” - said Major Sells
The goal for the 2021 Tree of Lights Campaign for Peoria was $1,700,000. The money raised helps them provide food, shelter, child care and case management services to help people break the cycle of poverty. As the need continues to grow in the Peoria area, support from the community allows them to be there 24 hours a day, seven days a week for people needing assistance.