Needs From: Braves Volunteer - Bradley University

Get Ready to Jingle and Sort: Toy Sorting in the Warehouse!

Ho, ho, ho! It's that joyous time of year again, and we need your help to spread the holiday cheer! Join us as a volunteer to sort toys before our annual Toy Shop and become a part of the magic that brings smiles to children all around!

What You’ll Be Doing:

Toy Sorting: Dive into the festive fun of sorting and organizing a mountain of toys. Make sure every toy finds its perfect spot and is ready to be part of someone’s holiday wish!

Shift Details:

November 1st - December 12th. Whether it be one hour, or more, sign up for the day and time that best fits your schedule.

Arrival Time: Please arrive 10 minutes early to get into the holiday spirit with a quick check-in and a briefing.

Location: Our Toy Sorting Wonderland is located at our Christmas Toy Warehouse in Peoria. The exact address will be shared with you once your volunteer spot is confirmed.

Dress Code: Come dressed in your comfiest attire - something that's easy to move and groove in!

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

Help us make this holiday season extra special and spread cheer one toy at a time. We can’t wait to celebrate the season with you!

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:

Personal Shoppers:
Be a holiday helper! Walk alongside parents and grandparents as they pick out the perfect toys for their kids. Share some joy, offer a little guidance, and make their shopping experience merry and bright! Toy Deliverers:
Spread the cheer all the way to the car! Help families carry their gifts out — you’ll be the last friendly face they see before they head home with Christmas magic in hand. Toy Stockers:
Keep the fun flowing! Make sure the toy tables stay full and festive by restocking from the back. You’ll help make the Toy Shop sparkle with holiday excitement.

Shift Details:

When: December 16th and 17th from 8AM-6PM
December 18th from 8AM-12PM
Clean up and tear down of Toy Shop: December 18th from 1PM-4PM.
2-hour shifts (Feel free to sign up for multiple shifts and spread even more cheer!) Arrival Time: Please arrive at least 20 minutes early to check in and get your instructions. You’ll receive your specific role upon arrival.

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!

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

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.