Journal Star Christmas Fund hopes to brighten the holidays for those in need

PEORIA – For 111 years, residents of central Illinois have brightened the holidays for less fortunate members of the community by donating to the Journal Star Christmas Fund.

This year the Journal Star is partnering with area television stations, WMBD and WYZZ, in the effort to raise $130,000 to provide four thousand food boxes to needy individuals and families. Included in the boxes will be food for a holiday meal along with a $20 gift card to purchase meat or additional food items.

As always, people who provide a special message with their donation will see it published in the Journal Star – this year it will also appear on the CIProud website.

There are two ways people can donate to the Journal Star Christmas Fund:

• Online: https://donate.salarmyncil.org/give/527409/#!/donation/checkout

• Mail checks to: Journal Star Christmas Fund, PO Box 5489, Peoria, IL 61601-5489

Because donations fell short last year, toys will not be provided through the fund this year, but families with children can still put a gift under the tree through the Salvation Army’s Christmas Assistance program. There are three ways families can sign up for a food box and Christmas assistance:

• Send a letter that includes name, address with apartment number, phone number, email address and total number of people in the household to: Journal Star Christmas Fund, PO Box 5489, Peoria, IL 61601-5489

• Online registration for food and toys through Dec. 7: www.saangeltree.org

• In-person registration hours will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 30 and Dec. 7 at the Salvation Army Family Service Center, 417 NE Adams, Peoria.

More: Elegant architecture and a ghost: 7 Peoria properties will be part of annual holiday tour

This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Journal Star Christmas Fund seeks donations for 2023