PEORIA, Ill. – The Salvation Army is kicking off its annual Tree of Lights campaigns in Peoria and Pekin, with a combined fundraising goal of $2.34 million to support local families and individuals in need.
The campaigns officially launched Monday at Northwoods Mall, where organizers announced a $2.1 million goal for Peoria and a $240,000 goal for Pekin.
Both campaigns are already off to a strong start.
Peoria’s campaign began with $317,000 in donations, reaching 15% of its goal. Pekin’s campaign has raised $31,000, or approximately 13% of its goal.
All money raised will remain in the local communities, supporting Salvation Army programs that provide shelter, food and other essential services throughout the year.
“Our goal this year is all about what it takes to meet the needs of the community,” said Stan Cohen, the 2026 Peoria Tree of Lights Christmas Chair. “The Salvation Army provides services every day of the year. We are able to be there for people who are facing hard times because of the generous support of the Peoria area.”
Several local organizations and donors helped launch the campaigns with major contributions.
In Peoria, the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary presented a $110,000 donation, raised in part through its annual Hope Has An Army fundraising event.
The Birdies for Good group contributed $81,000 from its ninth annual golf outing at Mt. Hawley Country Club.
Echelon Peoria, a group of young community leaders supporting the Salvation Army, also presented a $15,000 donation.
In Pekin, Jim Wolf of Wolf Financial Advisors contributed $10,000, while an anonymous supporter donated another $21,000.
“Every dollar donated makes an impact — whether it be for the man on the streets who is hungry and cold; or for the parents struggling to pay their bills and still have money left for food,” said Len Ealey, Pekin’s 2026 Christmas Co-Chair.
Major Heath Sells, Central Illinois Area Commander for the Salvation Army, emphasized that the campaign supports more than just holiday assistance.
“The money raised through our annual Tree of Lights Campaign helps people in our community throughout the year,” Sells said. “We’re able to be there for people who have no place to live or who have to make the choice between paying rent, getting medical care or putting a meal on the table.”
The Tree of Lights Campaign began 39 years ago. Since 2005, the Peoria campaign alone has raised more than $34 million to support local programs.
Residents can contribute online through the Peoria Virtual Red Kettle or the Pekin Virtual Red Kettle.
