Salvation Army Pekin and Tazewell County assistance programs.
The Salvation Army of Tazewell County has a goal of helping the less fortunate. The charity organization, which is faith based but will not discriminate based on age, religion, or other factors tries to provide housing or a meal or free Christmas toys from Angel Tree. The social workers will direct the applicant to emergency programs for bills or rental expenses as well. Much of this support in Tazewell County is only available from referrals due to lack of funding and size of the local center.
When facing hunger, there is assistance available in the form of meals or a free box of groceries. Donations from across the community are used to provide this service to the less fortunate in the area.
- -Emergency food pantries – These locations in Tazewell County will offer groceries. The contents may be fresh fruits or vegetables, canned goods, or even items such as baby formula.
- -Salvation Army soup kitchens – The locations serve a free hot meal, or offer a snack to a child during the summer.
- -Intake – Learn about government aid such as SNAP food stamps or WIC vouchers.
The Pekin Salvation Army has limited availability. In general, an appointment is needed. When stopping by, bring proof of income, number of household members, and other items that can support a request for assistance. While they will try to provide some food to feed everyone in the family, there are no promises to doing this.
There are also free holiday food services, usually hot meals, served. Volunteers are a key to offering this service. The local charity wants more struggling families to have the joy of a holiday, whether it is Thanksgiving or Christmas. So there are free food baskets or meals, such as Turkeys, served. The goal is to give them enough groceries that it will last the entire week, thereby taking the pressure off of the family.
Salvation Army of Tazewell County free Christmas programs will focus mostly on children from low income households as well as seniors, including those in a nursing home. There are different services available that can be used to provide a present to the applicant. Many people facing a short term crisis, such as unemployment, are very grateful for this service. All of the holiday assistance programs are administered locally in towns across Tazewell County.
- -Angel Tree is a service in which the center receives clothing, toys, and items from individuals and corporate sponsors. They are then redistributed to children from the region as free Christmas presents. The application period for this will be during September or October.
- -Adopt a Family is when an entire household is provide Christmas presents from the charity. There may be clothing, meals, toys, games, and other needed items.
- -Additional financial aid, such as vouchers for grocery shopping or money for a heating bill, may be provided during the Christmas season. This can be the result of the Red Kettle fund raising effort.
Social service unit at the Tazewell County Salvation Army will focus more on financial needs. When resources allow, it can provide comprehensive emergency assistance for individuals and families facing a crisis. Any financial help, whether a grant or some other form of cash assistance, is temporary in nature.
- -Housing expenses can include money for utility bills or a rent payment.
- -Basic household supplies, whether kitchen utensils, a crib for a newborn, or appliance repair can be met by a voucher to a thrift store.
- -Children can receive free back to school supplies.
- -Pekin Salvation Army may offer transportation to a job interview, and this may even include a gasoline voucher.
Any long term needs can be addressed by referrals from Salvation Army of Tazewell County case managers. They will direct the family to public aid programs in Illinois and maybe even advise them on how to apply. This is often a better option for many people, as the Salvation Army is really limited in what they can offer a client.
Other programs may also be available. Whether someone is recovering from a disaster, or if they need to shop for gently used goods at a thrift store, the Tazewell County Salvation Army will try to meet this need. They also have short term shelters operating. Or students from low income families can get free snacks during the summer or go to Salvation Army summer camps in the Tazewell County IL region
Applying for help from Salvation Army in Tazewell
When seeking help, people should bring picture ID, a copy of a current utility bill or rent payment information, birth certificate, and proof of need. Most aid is first come and served, and there is often a waiting list. For more details, the Family Store and Social services are run from 243 Derby Street, Pekin, Illinois 61554. The intake number is (309) 346-3010.
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