PEORIA, Ill. – They did it.
The Peoria Salvation Army announced Friday they not only met their $1.7 million goal through their annual Tree of Lights campaign this past holiday season, they exceeded it, and hit the $2 million mark.
“That will enable us to continue to stand and adapt to meet human needs in the name of Jesus Christ, for those who are struggling with food, for those who are struggling with housing, for those who need care for their children,” said Major Heath Sells, Salvation Army Tri-County Coordinator.
Sells says he was not at all sure the original goal would be met, given COVID-19 and the economic situation, but he’s thankful Central Illinois came through.
The money given to the campaign is already being put to good use, thanks — or, not — to Mother Nature.
“When you have, here in Central Illinois, weather that can, at times, be bi-polar, we absolutely know that those who are seeking emergency shelter…we don’t want anyone to have to stay on the street,” said Sells.
Sells says thanks to the recent cold snaps and last week’s snow storm, among other things, some six-hundred-thousand dollars has already been spent this year on emergency services and other needs.
CLICK HERE to learn more about the Salvation Army in Peoria, or HERE to learn about the Salvation Army in Pekin.
