Here’s how you can help the needy in the metro-east as a new year begins

If you are thinking about how you can help those in need in 2024, here’s a place to start.

Each year, the BND shares information about some of the worthy charitable organizations in our area that can benefit from the generosity of others.

If you would like tax-exempt, nonprofit organization added to the list and will answer our q-and-a, please send an email to us at newsroom@bnd.com with the subject line “Charities.”

Here’s a list of local charitable organizations with profile info. Check back for updates to the list. Remember that this is just a sampling of the many organizations that can use your donation or volunteer time to help others.

Alton

Mid-Town Moms

What does your charity/organization do? Mid-Town Moms help underprivileged children and teens in our community with Christmas and birthday gifts. We help teens up to 17 years old.

How can people help? Anyone can help by donating an item for a teenager. Monetary gifts are also accepted and can be mailed to 304 E. 3rd St., Alton, IL 62002.

Why should people give to your charity/organization? Many other organizations are unable to help teenagers. Ages are often limited to age 12 and under at most other organizations. Due to this we focus on the teens so that they may be blessed during the holidays as well as their younger siblings. Here at Mid-Town Moms we help children 17 and under.

Mailing address: 304 E. 3rd St., Alton, IL 62002

Phone number: 618-580-7291

Website: midtownmoms.com

Riverbend Head Start and Family Services

What does your charity/organization do? Riverbend Head Start and Family Services educate children, empower parents and strengthen families by connecting resources and developing positive skills to meet life’s challenges.

How can people help? Individuals and Corporations can help by making an unrestricted donation to help fund the greatest area of need or by volunteering their time, services, and skills. Monthly donations are also encouraged in any dollar amount.

Why should people give to your charity/organization? When people give to Riverbend Head Start and Family Services, 85 cents or more from every dollar donated to the agency goes towards funding the greatest area of need in our programs which in turn strengthens families and improves the overall communities in Madison County, Illinois.

Unrestricted gifts from individuals and corporations help us offer quality education to at-risk children, while helping their families develop life skills and providing the tools to access community resources that help reverse the effects of poverty. Individuals aged 70.5 with an IRA account support the cause through their Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) which uses pre-tax dollars to maximize donation amounts that support the mission of Riverbend Head Start and Family Services and helps eliminate tax owed on an individual’s RMD and eliminates any uncertainty of accurate tax filing of qualified Charitable Distribution (QCDs).

To see the mission in action and learn first-hand how donations help the overall community, contact Melanie Steen at 618-463-8913 to schedule a tour.

Mailing address: 550 Landmarks Blvd., Alton, IL 62002

Phone number: 618-463-5946

Website: riverbendfamilies.org

Belleville

Beacon Ministry

What does your charity/organization do? Beacon has served Belleville and the surrounding communities of Shiloh, Swansea, Fairview Heights, O’Fallon, and Caseyville since 1998.

Our services include a clearinghouse call center where those seeking help with utility payments can call and get referrals to sources of financial assistance including area churches.

In addition, we provide up to four pieces of furniture, along with housewares, for those coming out of a housing crisis such as domestic violence, fire damage, and homelessness.

BEACON is supported by some area churches and concerned individuals.

How can people help? We accept gently used pieces of furniture and used pots, pans, plates, etc. These items will then be given free of charge to those individuals when they get off the streets into a home.

For the time being, furniture recipients will need to come to the warehouse to pick up their items.

Donations can be delivered to Beacon’s furniture warehouse by appointment.

Why should people give to your charity/organization? We assist individuals and families in times of financial crisis, and help callers make a plan for handling immediate crisis and connections to other needed community services including job placement, food, and clothing.

Mailing address: PO Box 23468, Belleville, IL 62223

Phone number: 618-416-4538

We cannot accommodate walk-in clients. We check the phone messages Monday through Thursday, and volunteers are in the office most Tuesday and Thursday mornings to return calls.

Website: beaconministry.online

Belleville Area Humane Society

What does your charity/organization do? The Belleville Area Humane Society improves the lives of animals in our community through adoption, humane education and community outreach. In addition to our adoption and foster programs, we serve to keep pets in their loving homes through our community outreach efforts including hosting a pet food and supply pantry, and partner with community organizations to offer low cost spay/neuter and TNR services.

How can people help? Please consider volunteering your time, talent and treasure to the Belleville Area Humane Society. Please visit our website to learn about different ways to support. We are always looking for donations, volunteers and pet fosters. Call us today and we will connect you with an opportunity to give back to the people and pets in your community.

Why should people give to your charity/organization? BAHS is proud of serving our community and beyond for more than 64 years. We work hard to keep people and pets together. Thank you for considering supporting our mission. We believe it is a right of all people and pets to feel the love and compassion that these relationships create. We look forward to expanding our mission until all animals have forever homes and their families have the community outreach and humane education resources they need to succeed.

Mailing address: 1301 S. 11th Street Belleville, IL 62226

Phone number: 618-235-3712

Website: bahspets.org

Belleville Kiwanis Charities Foundation

What does your charity/organization do? The Belleville Kiwanis believe in putting kids first. The list of projects that we support is lengthy. While the pandemic limited our undertakings, the club remains active. We sponsor leadership programs known as Key Clubs for high school students. A scholarship at Southwestern Illinois College is funded annually by our group as are both the Dan Wolford and Tom Tebbenhoff awards at the high school level.

The Belleville Kiwanis serves as a charter organization for a Cub Scout Pack, prepares dinner for families staying at the Ronald McDonald House, is a sponsor for the Art on the Square high school competition, and much more. The club provided the initial funding that helped launch the National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias whose work we proudly continue to support.

One project that we held prior to the pandemic that we would like to get organized again in the future is a Go Baby Go build, a very rewarding program with volunteers custom modifying ride-on cars for children with mobility issues due to conditions such as spina bifida, cerebral palsy, and DiGeorge syndrome.

How can people help? Our group welcomes volunteers – we are not by invitation only. Age, occupation, religion, political preferences are irrelevant to the Belleville Kiwanis. We do like people who like to have fun while helping the kids in our community.

Volunteers are welcome at any of our meetings or projects, especially at our Christmas tree lot. We know our volunteers and members can’t make every event or attend every meeting.

Donations are also accepted. Supporters can also purchase a fresh wreath or Christmas tree.

Why should people give to your charity/organization? People should know that their donations benefit kids in the Greater Belleville area. Although our group was established in 1948, we understand that our community and the needs of the kids are changing. We welcome ideas, suggestions, and information about needs in our area that are not being addressed. Supporters are welcome to attend our meetings and to contact us with questions or concerns.

Mailing address: P.O. Box 153, Belleville, IL 62222

Website: belleville-il-kiwanis.org; facebook.com/BellevilleKiwanisClub

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwestern Illinois

What does your charity/organization do? We are on a mission to ensure that every child in our community has access to mentorship placing them on a path to graduate high school with a plan for their future and a mentor whose impact lasts a lifetime.

How can people help? Get involved! Include a child in your everyday activities as a volunteer mentor- visit bbbsil.org/beabig to learn more. Join us for a night out of fun celebrating the mission- visit bbbsil.org/events for more details about Trivia For Kids’ Sake and the Big Impact Bash. Finally, donations are always appreciated - visit bbbsil.org. For more information, email info@bbbsil.org

Why should people give to your charity/organization? All children deserve the time and attention to help them achieve success in life. Kids with a Big Brother or Big Sister show major gains in their social, emotional, and academic lives. They are more confident, achieve better grades, get along better with their families and peers, and are more likely to make healthy decisions. When you support Big Brothers Big Sisters, you’re not just giving money — you are unlocking a child’s potential through an investment in our community that will have ripple effects for generations to come.

Mailing address: 2900 Frank Scott Parkway West, #956, Belleville, IL 62223

Phone number: 618-398-3162

Website: bbbsil.org

Caritas Family Solutions

What does your charity/organization do? Caritas Family Solutions is a human services nonprofit whose mission is to strengthen the social and emotional well-being of individuals and families to create healthy relationships, loving homes and strong communities throughout the Metro-East and Southern Illinois. Services include adoption, pregnancy care, foster care, counseling, residential treatment for children healing from abuse and/or neglect, independent living for adults with developmental disabilities, and assisted living and employment assistance for low-income seniors.

How can people help? Caritas is currently serving more than children in foster care throughout the Belleville region (1,412 overall), with children entering care every day of the year. While holiday gifts are appreciated, the needs are basic and exist year-round. Making a monetary donation provides the flexibility to meet these needs as they arise. Contributions can be made online at caritasfamilysolutions.org/donate or mailed to Caritas Family Solutions, 8601 W. Main St., Suite 200, Belleville, IL 62223. For more information, contact Ashlee Lambert at 618-213-8714 or Ashlee.Lambert@caritasfamily.org.

Why should people give to your charity/organization? Social and emotional well-being is a critical component of healthy families and strong communities. Support for services provided by Caritas Family Solutions is an investment in strengthening our society by helping people of all ages to reach their full potential. Every day, our professional staff assists individuals, families, parents, and caregivers in creating loving, stable environments that provide a solid foundation for those in need.

Mailing address: 8601 W. Main St., Suite 201, Belleville, IL 62223

Phone number: 618-213-8700

Website: caritasfamilysolutions.org

Optimist Club of Belleville Foundation

What does your charity/organization do? The primary functions of the Optimist Club of Belleville Foundation are to help in the encouragement and development of youth and to develop optimism as a way of life.

How can people help? The Optimist Club is always looking for new members to help with our mission. We will graciously accept all donations. Our club donations and projects total over $50,000 annually. It is estimated that during our club’s existence over $2 million has been contributed and spent toward youth and community improvements. It would be an almost impossible task to evaluate the number of Optimist volunteer hours that have gone into making our club’s efforts successful.

Why should people give to your charity/organization? So many youths in our area are in need of support. As an organization we support many youth activities and community services including the following:

• Christmas food drive

• Santa’s House and Parade

• Childhood Health & Wellness Campaign

• College scholarship fund

• Junior Optimist Golf Tournament

• Annual Oratorical, Essay and Poster Contests

• After-prom party donations

• Belleville Parks & Recreation Baseball League

Mailing address: P.O. Box 636, Belleville, IL 62222

Phone number: 618-806-5145

Website: facebook.com/Optimistclubbellevilleillinois

Parent Teacher Organization for Exceptional Children

What does your charity/organization do? The mission of PTOEC is to provide sport, recreation and social opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities throughout the metro-east. Our largest program is supporting Special Olympic athletes. We recruit coaches, buy uniforms, and locate practice facilities to ensure everyone on Team PTOEC can compete in their favorite sports. We also provide social activities throughout the year, including our widely popular Friday Fun Night dances. Lastly, we hold a terrific summer day camp each year for our school-aged members.

How can people help? We’re always interested in volunteers and especially in coaches interested in helping with Special Olympics sports. Like most not-for-profit organizations we also really appreciate any monetary donation! Your generous cash contributions buy uniforms, pay for transportation to competitions, and allow PTOEC to host fun social activities for our members. Lastly, if you have a friend, neighbor, or family member with an intellectual disability - refer that person to PTOEC! We want everyone to have an opportunity to participate.

Why should people give to your charity/organization? PTOEC is a community of amazing people working together to support individuals with intellectual disabilities. We work hard every day to provide fun and excitement and joy and relationships for our members.

Mailing address: P.O. Box 23424, Belleville, IL 62223-0424

Website: ptoec.org

Project Compassion

What does your charity/organization do? PC-NFP has assisted over 80,000 homeless, disadvantaged, and low-income men, women, and children with food, shelter, seasonal supplies, hygiene items, life-skills workshops, and vocational training. Free therapy, a free laundry facility and a pantry are also offered.

How can people help? Being a NFP we have several ways for people to help. We are always looking for regular volunteers to aid in everyday NFP needs. Also, anyone looking to aid in the process of acquiring supplies for our clients can either refer to Project Compassion’s Amazon Wishlist or contact a staff member in the office to gauge our current needs! Finally, anyone who would like to provide a monetary donation can do so through either Project Compassion’s Cash App $projectcompassion or through Project Compassion’s website under the donate tab.

Why should people give to your charity/organization? As an organization we pride ourselves on providing compassionate filled resources to each client that walks across our threshold. No client leaves without their immediate needs being addressed. Each year we service thousands of women and youth and look forward to doing so for years to come. Each donor of Project Compassion ensures we can continue fulfilling the mission.

Mailing address: 6609 W Main St. Belleville, IL 62223

Phone number: 618-397-1790

Website: projectcompassionnfp.org

St. Vincent De Paul Society Belleville Council

What does your charity/organization do? The Belleville Council of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul is dedicated to helping the poor of Southern Illinois. Our members are committed to fighting hunger, homelessness, and poverty.

The parish conferences and special works conference reach out to help with utilities, rent, food, clothing, automobile, gas, medical, prescriptions, and many other needs. We partner with other agencies, churches, and organizations and utilize community resources to help in the best way possible.

The Belleville Council of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul was established in 1917 and serves the people of Southern Illinois in the Diocese of Belleville. It covers an area of 11,678 miles in the 28 southernmost counties in Illinois.

Programs include Outreach Ministry Service Center, Jobs Program, Soup Kitchen and Mobile Bus; Thrift Store; and OverNite Center Emergency Shelter for those experiencing temporary homelessness.

How can people help? There are many ways to support the mission and ministries of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Contact us to find out about volunteer opportunities and various ways of supporting our ministries through financial donations.

The Outreach Ministry Center, Soup Kitchen, and Thrift Store are in the same building, at 3718 State Street in East St. Louis. The OverNite Center is located to the rear of this facility.

The Santa Bus will be out and about the first three Sundays in December in East St. Louis and on Dec. 17 in Fairmont City. Kids will jump onto a bus full of holiday fun, take photos with Santa, and enjoy taking home holiday stockings loaded with love from Bank of O’Fallon, as well as hats and gloves to keep everyone warm this winter. If you’d like to donate hats, gloves, or other winter items please bring them Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. until 1:30 p.m to the St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store located at 3718 State Street, East St. Louis. Garage door on east side of the building for thrift shop donations; ring the bell.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is preparing to open a Thrift Store and Donation Center in Crossroads Centre at 10850 Lincoln Trail, suite 2, in Fairview Heights, with projected opening in May.

During the demolition and construction of the new store, donations will be accepted at the old Sally Beauty several doors down from the thrift store, which is in suite 7 next to the U.S. Post Office and has signs in the windows, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.. Monday through Friday.

They are accepting men’s, women’s, and kids clothing as well as housewares (pots, pans, dishes, decorations) and then accessories (purses, jewelry, etc.) and would like the items to be in good condition with no rips, tears, stains, etc. They also accept furniture in the form of couches, chairs, dining sets recliners, and so forth, and looking for no stains, tears, all in good working condition. Bedroom sets are in need – but no mattresses.

Why should people give to your charity/organization? According to the U.S. Census bureau, the 18 counties ranked highest in poverty in the State of Illinois are all located within our diocese. In addition, our special works in East St. Louis serves the poorest of the poor 7 days a week to help more than 300 people a day with food, clothing, and other necessities essential to survival, as well as overnight shelter.

Mailing address: Society of St. Vincent de Paul, PO Box 3415, East St. Louis, IL 62203

Phone number: 618-394-0126

Website: svdpsouthil.org

The Salvation Army

What does your charity/organization do? Food pantry in two locations, emergency social services (rental/utility/mortgage assistance), youth programs, adult programs, community hot lunch, homeless drop-in center, church, bible study and more.

How can people help? Donate goods or funds or volunteer for one of the programs they feel passionate about.

People can donate online at the Virtual Red Kettle: http://bit.ly/3sqG6lo?r=qr or they can contact Samantha.NolanJones @usc.salvationarmy.org or 618-619-4105 to volunteer at a kettle for a two-hour shift.

Why should people give to your charity/organization? The Salvation Army’s mission is to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and meet human needs in His name without discrimination. We assist in whatever ways we’re able when people come in with needs, even if that means we have to get creative. We’re blessed to partner with some amazing community groups and organizations. I believe that allows us to maximize impact by working together and using our collective resources and experience.

The Salvation Army from our beginning has wanted to serve the people who were struggling. They did what they could do to bring stability, relief, and hope. I believe we stay true to those roots at the St. Clair County Salvation Army. We are grateful for everyone who helps us to continue our mission in service in over 20 cities and towns.

Why should people give to your charity/organization? The Salvation Army’s mission is to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and meet human needs in His name without discrimination. We assist in whatever ways we’re able when people come in with needs, even if that means we have to get creative. We’re blessed to partner with some amazing community groups and organizations. I believe that allows us to maximize impact by working together and using our collective resources and experience.

The Salvation Army from our beginning has wanted to serve the people who were struggling. They did what they could do to bring stability, relief, and hope. I believe we stay true to those roots at the St. Clair County Salvation Army. We are grateful for everyone who helps us to continue our mission in service in over 20 cities and towns.

Mailing address: 20 Glory Place, Belleville, IL 62221

Phone number: 618-235-7378

Website: centralusa.salvationarmy.org/midland/stclaircounty or facebook.com/TSAbelleville

Senior Companion Program

What does your charity/organization do?Senior Companions are older adult volunteers who help their peers live independently by assisting with necessary daily tasks in their homes and give a much-needed break to full-time caregivers.

This program brings seniors together with other seniors. The companions provide supportive, individualized services to help clients maintain their dignity. The goal is to keep clients independent and in their own homes.

There is no cost to the family or the client. The days are arranged to meet the needs of the family and client. Although they might begin as strangers, these seniors quickly become friends.

Senior Companions must be 55 years of age or older, able to commit to 20 hours per week of volunteer service, have a fixed and/or limited income and enjoy helping others. They become part of a team of caregivers that can alert doctors and family members to new or potential health problems. But more importantly, they give a human, caring touch to a life that could otherwise be isolated from the outside world.

In return for their service, Senior Companion volunteers receive ongoing training, supplemental insurance, reimbursement for transportation costs, a small nontaxable, non-reportable stipend, and the joy of helping others live independently in their own homes.

Senior Companions are available in Madison, Monroe, Randolph and St. Clair counties in Southern Illinois.

How can people help?A financial donation goes a long way in supporting the program, which in turn could possibly be supporting your neighbor needing some extra assistance. The federal and state funding has diminished over the years, and we are only able to support the number of volunteers with what is in the budget. An increase in our community’s financial support would allow for additional volunteers to be trained and sent out.

Why should people give to your charity/organization?Volunteering spreads smiles to both the Senior Companion and those in need of assistance. Being of service has a multitude of benefits for wellbeing and provides goodwill to the individuals in the communities served.

Senior Companion volunteers report improved health after just one year of service. Volunteers reported decreased anxiety and depression, decreased loneliness, and social isolation, enhanced physical capacity and higher life satisfaction.

Help others in your community who want to stay in their homes by giving financially to the Senior Companion Program. Donations made will help with the Companions’ mileage, meals and time of service. A monetary gift will show you care about our older adults and their dignity to stay active for as long as possible.

Mailing address: 201 N. Church St., Belleville, IL 62220

Phone number: 618-234-4410, ext. 7023, or email kathleen.bilyeu@swic.edu

Website: swic.edu/community/senior-programs/psop/programs

Student Food Pantry at SWIC

What does your charity/organization do? The Student Food Pantry believes that food is a crucial factor of academic success. Every SWIC student who visits the pantry will be helped, no matter their income status. Hours are available at each SWIC site: Belleville, Granite City, Red Bud and East St Louis Higher Education Center.

How can people help? The pantry is supported by campus food drives and generous faculty, staff, students, and community members. Food donations are accepted anytime in the Student Lie offices IS2030. Monetary donations can be made to SWIC Foundation, Attn: Soup and Food Pantry Program.

Why should people give to your charity/organization? SWIC students are often on their own after having a safety net in high school — free or reduced lunches are no longer provided. Childcare issues, unreliable transportation, unexpected illness, and underemployment plague many of our students. Some students end up homeless or living in their car just trying to get through the semester. Other students find themselves in a financial crisis with a choice between paying for a textbook or paying their rent. We are trying to eliminate hunger from their list of concerns.

Mailing address: Student Life, 2500 Carlyle Ave., Belleville, IL 62221

Phone number: 618-222-5324 or email Amy.Brockman@swic.edu

Website: https://www.swic.edu/students/services/student-life/college-activities/college-activities-programs/student-food-pantry/

St. Clair TNR & Rescue

What does your charity/organization do? St. Clair TNR & Rescue is a local nonprofit organization run by volunteers (located in Belleville, serving St. Clair County) who help the community by performing TNR (trap, neuter and return) on feral and community cats throughout the county at little to no charge to the residents. Cats then live longer, healthier lives while the nuisance behaviors are long gone. We also help community members find low cost spay/neuter options for owned pets.

St. Clair TNR & Rescue also rescues animals from TNR locations and pulls animals from St. Clair County Animal Control. We do not discriminate. We take in ill animals, injured animals, FIV+ cats, pregnant mamas, litters of kittens, etc. We have a physical shelter and several foster homes. Cats and dogs are available for adoption year-round. Many animals ready for adoption are listed on petfinder.com, and some cats are able to be viewed at the O’Fallon PetSmart kitty condos.

How can people help? There are several ways people can help St. Clair TNR & Rescue and the animals in our care. We are always looking for volunteers to transport animals to and from vet clinics, volunteers to help with TNR services and volunteers to foster cats and/or dogs. Please call 314-339-7481 if you’re able to help. Please consider choosing St. Clair TNR & Rescue as your Amazon Smile charity of choice. We have a wishlist on Amazon as well. https://a.co/cy5efrR And we are always thankful for donations. You can donate on our page at stclairtnrandrescue.com by clicking on the donate button, by PayPal.me/tnrandrescue, by Venmo @TNRandRescue. Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/maggiesmuttmission to learn more.

Why should people give to your charity/organization? St. Clair TNR & Rescue is committed to helping the county continue to be a no kill community by providing TNR services to as many community members and their feral cat colonies as possible. We also provide food, shelter, and medical care for those we rescue from the streets and from St. Clair County Animal Control. Some cats and dogs stay in our care for quite some time since their medical needs are so great.

Phone number: 314-339-7481

Website: stclairtnrandrescue.com

Tapestry of Community Offerings (TOCO)

What does your charity/organization do? For 22 years, TOCO has been helping individuals and families experiencing hardship, and those transitioning into permanent housing.

We operate a textile pantry from our non-profit resale shop (TOCO) at 825 W. Main St. in Belleville, providing toiletries, shoes, clothing, and housewares to those in need.

We also offer empowerment programs through a joint program with the Salvation Army.

How can people help? Donations can be made via PayPal, debit, or credit card on the “Donate” page of our website: tocofamily.org. We’re also on Venmo: @TOCO-Shop

Sponsorships, donations and proceeds from TOCO Shop sales directly support the community and those in need.

The TOCO Shop is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Why should people give to your charity/organization? Tapestry of Community Offerings provides guidance, offers assistance, and collaborates with the community organizations to not only overcome, but help prevent homelessness.

An individual or family can quickly enter into a crisis and find themselves unhoused as a result of a single unforgiving misstep. TOCO is here to support our community and help to prevent homelessness for you and your family.

Mailing address: 825 W. Main St., Belleville, IL 62220Phone: 618-257-8626

Website: tocofamily.org

Teen Court Foundation of St. Clair County

What does your charity/organization do? The Teen Court Foundation was created to provide financial support, policies, and oversight for the St. Clair County Teen Court. Teen Court emphasizes accountability, restorative justice, and responsibility rather than traditional punitive measures. Funds from the Foundation support monthly Teen Court sessions where peer jurors hear cases of first-time non-violent offenders between the ages of 12-18.

How can people help? The Foundation welcomes contributions in any amount that support changing the path and life direction of a youth who commits a non-violent misdemeanor offense. Donations can be made on our website https://teencourtfoundationscc.com/teen-court/ or through PayPal, or mailed to the office.

Why should people give to your charity/organization? The cost for a teen offender to enter Teen Court and successfully graduate is $375. This expense includes a referral from the State’s Attorney office, interviews with a parent and teen, appearance in Teen Court, oversight of the restorative justice remedy and successful graduation. In Illinois, the cost for a teen offender to enter the juvenile justice system and begin serving their sentence in the system is more than $1,500 per month.

The Teen Court Foundation of St. Clair County is a 501c3 Foundation established to provide financial support – donations are our lifeblood. The Program was funded by the Juvenile Justice Council of the State of Illinois with pass-through federal funds from July 2014 through June 2017. As of July 2017, those federal funds were not awarded to any Teen Court in Illinois. Contributions from generous individuals, businesses and community organizations since July 2017 ensured that Teen Court has continued to serve the needs of youthful offenders.

Mailing address: 12 S. 2nd St., Belleville, IL 62220

Phone number: 618-235-8300

Website: teencourtfoundationscc.com

Breese

Community Link

What does your charity/organization do? Community Link offers opportunities for growth and independence for individuals with developmental disabilities. We accomplish this through a person-centered approach, providing participants with a place to live, education, independent living skills, and employment that enriches their lives and empowers them to advocate for themselves.

How can people help? Monetary gifts are Community Link’s greatest need currently. https://commlink.org/ways-to-give/giveWe have Wish Lists - You can purchase items that have been chosen by our individual CILAs, our First Step program, our production department and our West facility. Donating directly to a home or facility helps keep our costs down.

Our 1st Step program is looking for anyone who may be interested in adopting a local family for Christmas this year. We have families of all sizes who have filled out their wants and needs, and are looking for assistance. If you are interested, please contact Robin at RobinK@commlink.org or at 618-526-3960.

To find out more about Community Link’s giving options, please contact the Development Department at (618) 526-3989 or email MichelleD@commlink.org.

Why should people give to your charity/organization? As opportunities to connect with each other and our community grow, so do our needs for transportation, staff, and resources. With the generosity of our supporters, we continue to create a community where everyone is valued for their presence and contributions.

Mailing address: 1665 N. Fourth St., P.O. Box 157, Breese, IL 62230

Phone number: 618-526-8800

Website: commlink.org

Collinsville

Children’s Dyslexia Center – Southern Illinois

What does your charity/organization do? Dyslexia is estimated to affect over 2 million children in the U.S. These children typically have average or above average intelligence. However, if their dyslexia cause academic problems, it can lead to emotional and self-esteem issues throughout their lives.

Since 2002, the Southern Illinois Center has been providing tutoring to children by highly educated tutors free of charge. Specialized training in the Orton-Gillingham method has also been provided free of charge. Learn more about how the Children’s Dyslexia Center – Southern Illinois has impacted the lives of children in your community by visiting readwithdyslexia.com.

How can people help? You can:

• Attend, volunteer, or join our board of governors to help us create and host fundraising events. Our fundraisers are most successful with your help.

• Donate center supplies: particularly copy paper, red expo markers, paper towels, toilet paper, Lysol wipes, hand sanitizer, paper masks.

• Give the gift of reading. What do you give to someone who has everything? You can give the gift of reading by donating to the center. Visit readwithdyslexia.com and use our PayPal account to donate online and to find out how to make donations by mail.

Over 90% of sponsorship income goes directly to providing tutoring-related services for children with dyslexia. You can be confident your commitment is going where it should go — to the children who need it most.

Why should people give to your charity/organization? Donations to support the Children’s Dyslexia Center – Southern Illinois are greatly needed and appreciated. The free one-to-one individualized tutoring for each child is estimated to cost our center approximately $5,000 per child per year. We also train, free of charge, community members who have a bachelor’s degree or higher and who love to work with children one-on-one. This is at an estimated cost of $6,000 per trainee. These trainees become certified as Dyslexia Practitioner 1.

Your donation to our 501c3 nonprofit center will be acknowledged with a letter of appreciation for your tax records. We have numerous fundraisers throughout the year, so please check out our yearlong calendar of events for 2023-2024 located at readwithdyslexia.com. We hope to continue to plan and execute fun, family friendly events so the community at large can support children who want to learn to read but are struggling to do so.

Mailing address: 417 W. Main St., Collinsville, IL 62234

Phone number: 618-223-1308

Website: readwithdyslexia.com

Collinsville Food Pantry

What does your charity/organization do? Clients must be Collinsville residents and they get to shop two times per month with our client-choice shopping experience on Tuesdays 9-11 a.m. and 4-6 p.m., and Fridays 9-11 a.m.

They offer their Tote Me Home program, a weekend meal package for students in the Collinsville Unit 10 School District, which is now well over 200 students per week. During the summer months a tote bag of food is also provided to selected children in the summer program at St. John EUCC.

SOS Soup Kitchen: The Spirit of Sharing Soup Kitchen provides a hot meal every Tuesday at First United Presbyterian Church and the last Tuesday of the month at First United Methodist Church. We also serve every Thursday at St. John’s UCC. There is no cost and no requirements. Just come as you are and enjoy the free meal and fellowship every Tuesday and Thursday evening from 5 - 6:30 pm.

Utility assistance and housing rental assistance is available on a case-by-case basis, other resources for health care, dental, nutrition, employment services and food stamp application services are now offered through informational vendors that set up in the pantry during service hours.

How can people help? The services are provided through generous donations from local businesses, organizations, churches and individuals giving to the Collinsville Food Pantry. You can make a difference in the community by partaking in giving opportunities with us. Call 618-346-1861.

Drop-Off times for donations are Tuesday-Friday 9 a.m. to noon or Tuesday evening 4-5 p.m.

Why should people give to your charity/organization? The Collinsville Food Pantry needs community support to continually provide quality services to those that are struggling and in need of assistance.

Mailing address: 2009 Mall St., Collinsville, IL 62234

Phone number: 618-346-1861

Website: collinsvillefoodpantry.org

Making a Difference

What does your charity/organization do? We feed, clothe, and minister to everyone. From time to time everyone of us needs help whether you are living check to check or homeless on the street we will do what we can to help. We don’t have any income or zip code requirements so If you are looking for clothing, food or hygiene let us know and if we don’t currently have it in stock we can point you to resources to help you out. We cannot help with anything financially at this time.

How can people help? Visit our website at makingadifferencestl.org or check us out on Facebook at facebook.com/becausetheymatter for more info. We are always looking to partner up with churches, businesses and other organizations.

Making a Difference is a small 501(c)3 non-profit trying to make some changes in our little corner of the world. Our dedicated volunteers focus on the homeless and those in need in the Metro East. Our mission is to provide community outreach & help our less fortunate friends with everyday items that most of us take for granted whether it’s food, clothes, basic necessities or resources. Something small to us can be huge to them and we want to make a difference in their lives.

You can also send monetary donation via VenMo- MADSTL or Cash App -$becausetheymatter

Why should people give to your charity/organization? Our charity is run on 100% donations; we have no paid staff on hand as we are all volunteers. Check out our website or Facebook to see how we are Making A Difference in our community!

Phone number: 618-719-5118 or email: MakingADifferenceSTL@gmail.com

Website: makingadifferencestl.org

St. John’s Community Care

What does your charity/organization do? We assist families care compassionately for their loved ones suffering from dementia, traumatic brain injuries, Parkinson’s Alzheimer’s strokes, Lewy Body Dementia, through faith-based care in Collinsville, Edwardsville, Troy, Granite City, Fairmont City, Maryville, Glen Carbon, Wood River, Alton, Alhambra, Marine, and Staunton, Ill.

How can people help? Donations help us to maintain a professional and compassionate level of care for each of our clients. Monetary gifts also allow us to offer the medical loan closet, support groups and caregiver training without charge.

People or groups interested in volunteering are encouraged to call 618-344-5008. Volunteer opportunities include helping maintain our courtyard plants, playing games with participants and singing or musical performances for our participants in the Adult Day Program.

Why should people give to your charity/organization? St. John’s Community Care is committed to serving those who are challenged with aging and disability issues with love, dignity, and respect. We know that it’s not easy to grow old. That’s why every day at St. John’s we give hope to each person we serve. Showing them that they have a purpose and that they still have a choice in how they live their best possible lives.

We view our care for the aging and disabled through the lens of faith. We are committed to delivering quality caregiving options for families who are caring for aging loved ones. But it takes a lot of hard work, time and money to do what we do.

Mailing address: 222 Goethe Ave., Collinsville, IL 62234 and 1015 B Century Drive University Pointe II Center Edwardsville, IL 62025

Phone number: 618-344-5008

Website: stjohnscc.org

East St. Louis

Catholic Urban Programs

What does your charity/organization do? Guided by the principles of Catholic social teaching, CUP advances human dignity, remediates the effects of poverty, and empowers people to become self-sufficient through crisis intervention, housing security, and out-of-school time programs.

Our vision is to break the cycle of poverty and rekindle hope in those they serve.

Programs/Services include Crisis Intervention, Out of School Time with sites throughout East St. Louis, Food Pantry and Housing Security.

How can people help? Please consider a donation to CUP’s Amazon Wish List to support their daily food pantry, shelter needs, and other crisis intervention and out of school time efforts: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1VS08BRPQ6QJV/ref=hz_ls_biz_ex

As you are out shopping this holiday season consider picking up a basic need for our clients. Donations can be dropped off at the HUB 7 Vieux Carre Dr East St. Louis. Interested in hosting a supply drive? Email kfrawley@catholicurbanprograms.org

Why should people give to your charity/organization? When you support Catholic Urban Programs, you are supporting:

Holy Angels Shelter, our 18 bed women & children’s shelter. We currently have 7 children, 9 adults, and we expect 2 new families any day.

The HUB, where we meet our clients’ basic needs through crisis intervention including our pantry program, HUB Foods, case management services, and counseling services.

The Griffin Center Out of School Time programs where we serve over 100 children each day at 6 East St. Louis Housing Authority sites and our newest site at Henry Raab School in Belleville District 118.

Your donation, no matter the size, means everything to our team at CUP and the clients we serve: catholicurbanprograms.org/give

Mailing address: P.O. Box 3310, East St. Louis, IL 62203

Phone number: 618-398-5616

Website: catholicurbanprograms.org

Gateway Pet Guardians

What does your charity/organization do? GPG provides affordable, accessible, quality pet resources and champions a thriving pet welfare community to the over 55,000 people who live in the East Side Pet District – East St. Louis, Cahokia Heights, Washington Park, and Fairmont City.

Gateway’s community outreach programs include Free Diversions (dog and cat houses, tie outs, collars & more), Free Pet Food Pantry. Affordable Vet Clinics (Vet Care for All!) and Free Community Outreach/House Calls.

How can people help? Adopt, foster, volunteer, and donate.

Why should people give to your charity/organization? GPG’s mission is to keep families together and prevent owned pets from entering an already crowded shelter system by reimagining what animal rescue really means.

Our organization believes everyone deserves the love of a pet, regardless of zip code, income, employment-status, or housing-type. We go above and beyond rescue to ensure equitable access to resources so that no one in our community must make the impossible choice to give up their beloved pet.

Mailing address: 725 N. 15th St., East St. Louis, IL 62205

Phone number: 618-687-8007

Website: gatewaypets.org

Join Hands ESL, Inc.

What does your charity/organization do? For 32 years, Join Hands ESL has helped families and children living in poverty in East St. Louis complete their education and fulfill personal dreams. Based on the cradle to career continuum, Join Hands embraces the entire family, answering needs as they are presented.

Through community support, Join Hands supplies diapers, provides education advocacy as the liaison between teacher/parent/student, college and career readiness, mentors to teenagers, and operates the only teen specific space in East St. Louis.

Youth Programming provides martial arts training and exposes children aged 8 to 13 to new experiences and activities outside of their local community. Back to school supplies, clothing and bookbags are provided each summer and holiday stockings and gifts are distributed each Christmas. Join Hands serves children in 18 schools in St. Clair and Madison Counties, plus tutors seven adults seeking their high school diplomas.

How can people help? We seek teen mentors for the Dream Path Program and chaperones for youth programming outings on Saturday afternoons. Financial support and gift cards for birthdays and families in need are greatly appreciated! Please visit joinhandsesl.org for additional information.

Why should people give to your charity/organization? Since 2016 when records were first kept, 100% of the Dream Path seniors have graduated from high school. This is within a school district with a 74% four-year graduation rate. Our teen Peace Warriors are nationally certified to teach Kingian Nonviolence to peers and high school administrators. They have taught 140+ young adults to de-escalate aggression and gun violence at school, work and in social settings. Our executive director is open to calls 24/7 for emergency needs.

Mailing address: P.O. Box 1429, East St. Louis, IL 62202

Phone number: 618-857-2600

Website: joinhandsesl.org

Lessie Bates Davis Neighborhood House, Inc.

What does your charity/organization do? Lessie Bates Davis Neighborhood House is a multi-purpose, faith-based community center in relationship with the United Methodist Church. Our mission is to empower individuals and families to move out of poverty and achieve self-sufficiency. We aim to assure that a new generation of children has the support needed to be successful in school and in life.

How can people help? People can donate toys, household goods or canned goods to help those in our community during the holiday season.

Why should people give to your charity/organization? Neighborhood House has a long history of serving the East St. Louis community. The holiday season is a good time to remember our neighbors throughout the metro east area with charity and kindness.

Mailing address: 1200 N. 13th St., East St. Louis, IL 62205

Phone number: 618-874-0777

Website: lessiebatesdavis.org

Our Brothers’ Keepers of Southern Illinois

What does your charity/organization do? Our mission is to assist returning citizens coming out of prisons/jails to reenter society as responsible citizens returning to their families and community. This reintegration process begins with INTAKE that includes assessment of needs, setting objectives and developing both short- and long-term goals. The holistic process includes reading literacy followed by life skill and job skill classes that are essential for men and women who have been isolated in prisons/jails for many years with limited life and job skill development.

How can people help? Financial donations help us to provide a wide range of services that include IDs, transportation to jobs, utilities and rent, work clothing, meal cards, prescription assistance and hygiene products.

Volunteers are needed to teach reading, writing and social skills. This includes teaching basic computer skills and on-line searching for job opportunities. Mentoring returning citizens and finding affordable housing in St. Clair and Madison counties is a great need. Volunteers can also help staff in working with client follow-up, developing contact data bases and working on corporate and Illinois State grants.

Why should people give to your charity/organization? Men and women coming out of prisons/jails have no concept of what life is like today after being in a prison for five or more years. Just imagine if you had lost contact with the outside world for that span of time and on day one of release had to negotiate a ride on a bus or train, call someone without a pay phone, find a place to live or half-way house, find a job without skills and many times not able to read above the fifth grade level.

This is the impossible situation that most of our men and women experience as they try to reintegrate back into society. A society that does not want them will not hire them and would rather they be locked up forever. Of course, 96% of all inmates will be released and could be your neighbor. OBK has a mission to assist these returning citizens as a not-for-profit corporation to the extent that our funding allows.

Mailing Address: 614 N. 7th St., East St. Louis, IL 62201

Phone Number: 618-271-7821

Website: obkministry.org

Edwardsville

Glen-Ed Pantry

What does your charity/organization do? Glen-Ed Pantry provides food and assistance to low-income families and individuals residing in the Edwardsville School District.

Programs include:

• Food shopping every 30 days

• Children’s Christmas Gift Shopping

• Pantry To You – Home delivery for those who are unable to come to the Pantry

• SNAP and IHEAP application site

How can people help? Food, personal hygiene, and cleaning product donations are always needed and appreciated. Your financial donations allow us to purchase much needed items at a reduced cost.

Why should people give to your charity/organization? No one should go hungry. A contribution to Glen-Ed Pantry will help us to continue to feed the hungry in our community.

Mailing address: 125 5th Ave., Edwardsville, IL 62025

Phone number: 618-656-7506

Website: glenedpantry.org

Fairview Heights

Fairview Heights Area Food Pantry

What does your charity/organization do? The Fairview Heights Area Food Pantry provides supplemental food and personal care items once a month to Fairview Heights residents in need. Each family who comes for food must provide current proof of address and an ID. We also distribute federally funded Senior Boxes to residents over 60 who meet federal guidelines.

How can people help? Donations of food are received Monday through Friday (except holidays and school snow days) from 9-11 a.m. Monetary donations may be mailed to Fairview Heights Area Food Pantry, P.O. Box 4657, Fairview Heights, IL 62208. Cash donations are used to purchase fresh milk, eggs, margarine, frozen meat and many other items when actual food donations do not meet the need.

Why should people give to your charity/organization? Our pantry runs on donations of food and money from members of our community, churches and businesses in Fairview Heights and surrounding areas. Without these donations, our pantry could not continue to exist.

Mailing address: P.O. Box 4657, Fairview Heights, IL 62208

Phone number: 618-398-0292

Fostering Bling Foundation

What does your charity/organization do? Foster parents provide the safety and stability crucial to a child’s development. Modeling a positive family unit gives foster children an opportunity to experience a more fulfilling and positive life.

Many foster children feel abandoned and rejected, making the family dynamic even more vital. There is nothing greater for a foster child than to be welcomed into a loving home, and so, everything must be done to preserve the dynamic and encourage even more willing people to become foster parents. Becoming and being a foster parent is a selfless act. Often the role is ill-supported and thankless; however, so many foster parents continue to give of themselves, make sacrifices, and ask for sacrifices from their own family. It can be an especially life-changing decision and experience that can be equally rewarding and challenging.

With only a little extra support and a few resources, foster parents can overcome challenging events, feel more supported, and provide extraordinary lives and opportunities for foster children. In addition, more able people may consider becoming foster parents, ultimately benefiting the youth and the community.

To ensure proper resources and support are available for foster families, specifically foster parents, Fostering Bling Foundation was founded. Fostering Bling Foundation is a nonprofit corporation in Fairview Heights that provides support and aid to foster children and parents.

Senett Basquine, the founder, created the organization to enrich their lives with support and resources necessary to close gaps in the foster care system. Fostering Bling Foundation will offer these supports by partnering with schools, foster care agencies, community leaders, and the Department of Human Services. As a result, Fostering Bling Foundation believes we can further empower, enhance, and provide the resources for foster parents to level up during challenging times to maximize and boost the life of foster families.

How can people help? In-kind and cash donations and awareness

Why should people give to your charity/organization? We provide hope and help to an already struggling population… our youth and the gracious families that are willing to open their homes to vulnerable children.

Email: fosteringblinginc@gmail.com

Phone number: 618-500-5879

Website: FosteringBlingFoundation.org

Hoyleton Youth and Family Services

What does your charity/organization do? We not only care for the most underprivileged children and families in Illinois but we serve them through behavioral and mental health, residential, foster care, human trafficking, and prevention services. And with other needs in the community, we have also needed to support them with food, housing assistance, and utilities. Our focus is not just “One child at a time,” but how can we help when no one else will. With 125 years of service in the Southern Illinois area, we are continuing help to restore family relationships and prepare young adults to make positive life decisions and become productive citizens. We are building stronger communities through programs that strengthen and preserve families.

How can people help? Please help us make the future for our communities brighter by donating online to help us fill the needs of our youth, families, and our community as a whole. Contact our Development Department Alice Drobisch at 618-688-4727 or adrobisch@hoyleton.org if you have questions.

Why should people give to your charity/organization? Many of the children in our residential programs will spend the holidays in our care with no place to call home. Many of the families in our community-based programs are struggling to meet the basic needs of food and shelter. We are doing everything we can to make this time of year as joyful as possible for those who may be having struggles. We appreciate you joining us this Christmas season and into 2023 to make sure every child we encounter has a gift of a warm home and a smile this Christmas.

Mailing address: 8 Executive Drive, Suite 200, Fairview Heights, IL 62208

Phone number: 618-688-4727

Website: hoyleton.org

The Illinois Center for Autism

What does your charity/organization do? We provide education and services to children and adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families.

How can people help? There are several possible opportunities to help the Illinois Center for Autism. The holidays always present unique challenges to families who have children with special needs. Many struggle financially daily. We are also asking for financial assistance to help prepare our adults with life and job skills to continue their quest towards independence and becoming contributing members of society. To help please contact us at 618-398-7500 or go to illinoiscenterforautism.org.

Why should people give to your charity/organization? We have nearly 45 years of developing programs for children and adults with ASD and developmental disabilities. We have a management team with more than 100 years of experience combined, and we are serving the most vulnerable individuals in our society. One in 54 people is diagnosed. The diagnosis has been said to be greater than the combined diagnosis of juvenile diabetes, AIDS, cancer, cerebral palsy, cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy, and Down Syndrome.

Mailing address: 548 S. Ruby Lane, Fairview Heights, IL 62208

Phone number: 618-398-7500

Website: illinoiscenterforautism.org

National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias

What does your charity/organization do? The mission of the National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias (NFED) is to empower and connect people touched by ectodermal dysplasias through education, support, and research. In 1981, Mary Kaye Richter and 12 other families affected by ectodermal dysplasias organized and founded the NFED in Mascoutah, Ill. Mary Kaye’s toddler, Charley, had been diagnosed with hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia, and she was looking for answers on how to best take care of him.

How can people help? The NFED has many ways that people can help:

• Donate cash, check, credit card, stock and/or in-kind items.

• Host a fundraising or awareness event.

• Advocate to mandate medical insurance coverage for dental treatments.

• Volunteer at our office to help with mailings.

• Help raise awareness on social media.

Why should people give to your charity/organization? The NFED is the only organization in the U.S. whose sole mission is to empower those with ectodermal dysplasias. We are committed to the ectodermal dysplasias community. Ectodermal dysplasias are inherited disorders that involve defects in the hair, nails, sweat glands and teeth. When a person has at least two types of abnormal ectodermal features — for example, malformed teeth and extremely sparse hair — the individual is identified as being affected by ectodermal dysplasia.

The NFED has grown considerably since the early 1980s, a time when little was known about the rare conditions and the medical literature cited only a half dozen affected individuals in the United States. Today, we serve more than 9,200 families worldwide.

When you are missing some or all of your teeth, smiling, eating and talking are not easy. Here at the NFED, we believe every person deserves a smile. We work with families to help them understand treatment options, to increase their access to care and to find financial assistance for that care. We have a network of Dental Treatment Centers, offer a donated implant program with the help of Straumann, educate care providers through symposia and have provided clients with more than $1.5 million in assistance for needed care.

Perhaps our greatest success comes from providing individuals and families affected by ectodermal dysplasia with a place to turn for reliable information, support and hope. We publish high-quality information to empower families with knowledge that their doctors often cannot give. We stand with open arms to welcome the family who has just been diagnosed, to answer their questions, and to allay their fears. The foundation educates families that anything is possible for the person who is affected by ectodermal dysplasia. The conditions come with challenges, but with support and encouragement, families can expect a bright future.

The NFED is also dedicated to finding a cure. We have funded more than $2.5 million in research at more than 40 centers around the world and sponsored numerous scientific conferences for specific syndromes and classification. NFED-funded research projects have identified genes for numerous ectodermal dysplasias, established treatment protocols and characterized many of the syndromes.

Mary Kaye retired as executive director in 2010. Today, Mary Fete leads the NFED and carries out the vision that the first dozen families had back in 1981: to be a resource for the ectodermal dysplasias community and to assure its families that they are never alone.

Mailing address: 6 Executive Drive, Suite 2, Fairview Heights, IL 62208

Phone number: 618-566-2020

Website: nfed.org

Freeburg

Fire Truck O’ Toys

What does your charity/organization do? Our mission is to make sure every hospitalized child and family receives that joy in the form of the simplest of gifts at Christmas — a toy.

How can people help? Visit firetruckotoys.org for a list of our sponsors hosting toy collection sites. At any of these locations, you can drop off new, unwrapped toys. Or, you can make monetary donations on the site and Santa’s helpers will use these donations to purchase toys for our local hospitalized children.

Why should people give to your charity/organization? To date, we’ve collected over 50,000 toys and have distributed to six St. Louis hospitals, including SSM Cardinal Glennon, St. Louis Children’s Hospital, Shriners Hospital for Children, Mercy Hospital for Children, Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital and Hawthorn Children’s Psychiatric Hospital. Our ongoing outreach is expanding every year as more organizations have come to support the program. Administration and support costs are managed by our sponsorship partners, allowing us to focus 100% of donations on the purchase of toys and gifts for the children in our local hospitals.

Mailing address: P.O. Box 209, Freeburg, IL 62243

Phone number: 618-578-8384

Website: firetruckotoys.org

Godfrey

Beverly Farm Foundation

What does your charity/organization do? Beverly Farm Foundation is a loving, caring home for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, providing everyone with physical and emotional security and a dignified quality of life, with opportunities and challenges, within everyone’s functional capabilities.

How can people help? We accept monetary donations, clothing, and household items (in our resale shop) and are always looking for amazing volunteers. In addition, we are hiring and have job openings in several areas within our organization, including entry-level openings where no experience is necessary and paid training is provided.

Why should people give to your charity/organization? We have been providing exceptional services for 125 years in the Riverbend community, and our dedicated and caring staff keep a hand with the good work 365 days a year.

Mailing address: 6301 Humbert Road, Godfrey, IL 62035

Phone number: 618-466-0367

Website: beverlyfarm.org

Granite City

The Good Samaritan House of Granite City, Inc.

What does your charity/organization do? The Good Samaritan House is the largest homeless shelter for women with children in the St. Louis metro-east region. We provide safe temporary housing for those whose lives are impacted by homelessness while offering residents the opportunity to enhance life skills, increase self-esteem and become self-sufficient.

How can people help? The Good Samaritan House of Granite City is part of a larger collaborative effort to end homelessness in our community. Donating your time and financial resources is one of the most effective ways of eradicating homelessness in our communities. While the average cost of a night in a hotel can range from $50 and up, shelter such as Good Samaritan House can provide housing, food, case management and other necessary resources for a fraction of the cost. We are also an agency that heavily relies on the influences and expertise of those that reside in the communities that we serve. We, with open arms, welcome members of our community to volunteer their time and expertise to work hands-on with those we serve.

Why should people give to your charity/organization? For more than 20 years, the Good Samaritan House has been at the forefront of ending homelessness in Madison and St. Clair counties. Incorporated in 1998, the Good Samaritan House of Granite City was established based on a needs assessment that identified an increase of homelessness for women with children. The most recent needs assessment has now identified that over 50 percent of the homeless population in Madison County is represented by children. The Good Samaritan House serves over 250 individuals a year and serves over 34,000 meals to families in need. With an 89 percent success rate, the Good Samaritan House Emergency Shelter Program continues to be an effective way of transitioning women with children from homelessness to self-sufficiency within 90 days.

Mailing address: 1825 Delmar Ave., P.O. Box 53, Granite City, IL 62040

Phone number: 618-582-0501

Website: goodsamhouse.org

Highland

Leaps of Love, Inc.

What does your charity/organization do? LOL embraces families affected by childhood brain tumors, late-effects of childhood cancer, and predisposition syndrome by providing hope, strength, and encouragement to endure the challenges everyone in the family faces. Family retreats, social events, outings, workshops, and more can help give these families the opportunity to strengthen their lives with support, wisdom, and encouragement from others who have experienced similar scenarios to theirs.

How can people help? Periodically, LOL will adopt a family in need that struggles with a new diagnosis, a relapse, or even when they are behind during treatment. This is part of our Share Your Love Program and we update their needs on our webpage (leapsoflove.org) and on our FaceBook Page as we work with them. Gift cards are also a big need. Many people do not understand that meals, gas, and sometimes lodging are not covered by insurance and LOL will lend a hand.

Why should people give to your charity/organization? Many people do not realize that even though the children may be surviving longer, their chances of health problems, due to their treatments, increase. Late effects of childhood cancer treatment are common in survivors, and approximately two-thirds are moderate to severe. Once diagnosed with childhood cancer, it is a life-long sentence, not only for the child but the entire family.

Mailing address: 1005 Broadway, Suite B, Highland, IL 62249

Phone number: 618-410-7212

Website: leapsoflove.org

Maryville

Got Your Six Support Dogs

What does your organization do? Got Your Six Support Dogs supports veterans and first-responders who have risked their lives to serve our country. To help those who struggle with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder as well as sexual trauma, Got Your Six Support Dogs’ goal is to place trained PTSD service dogs with veterans and first-responders at no cost to help them heal from the psychological stress of war and duty through the compassion and healing power of their loyal four-legged companions.

How can people help? At Got Your Six Support Dogs, we are always accepting monetary donations, as well as supply donations. People can help by donating, planned giving, purchasing items from our Amazon wish list, sponsoring a service dog, hosting fundraisers, and shopping through Amazon Smile.

In addition to donations, we are always looking for volunteers to assist in events and fundraising.

Why should people give to your organization? On average, it costs $25,000 to train a PTSD service dog to certification. This cost is due to the expenses of care and countless hours of specialty training as well as a two-week intensive trauma-resiliency program each recipient receives. Your generous donation allows our organization to offer highly skilled service dogs and life-changing programs at no cost to the recipient.

Mailing address: 6 Schiber Court, Maryville, IL 62062

Phone number: 618-206-5015

Website: gotyoursixsupportdogs.org

Mascoutah

Leu Civic Center Inc.

What does your charity/organization do? The Leu Civic Center offers a wide array of affordable educational and sporting opportunities to the Mascoutah, Scott Air Force Base, and all surrounding areas. The center has been providing a variety of programs for over 40 years.

We offer free educational Individualized Education Program consultations, tutoring, homeschool classes, and a variety of night time sporting options. Our nighttime classes consist of Tai Kwon Do, Karate, Gymnastics, Zumba, and Chess. Scholarships are available to families in need.

On school days, we provide an after-school program that includes a late afternoon meal for any child who needs one, organized physical activity and homework assistance.

How can people help? Individuals and corporations can help by donating to our scholarship or afterschool funds and by volunteering their time, services and skills.

Why should people give to your charity/organization? We are one of the most affordable recreational/sports/education centers in the bi-state area. We only charge a family $50 per year for membership. Financial assistance through scholarships is available to families who qualify.

Mailing address: 213 N. Market St., Mascoutah, IL 62258

Phone number: 618-566-2175

Website: leuciviccenter.net

Metro-East

Operation Homefront’s Holiday Toy Drive

What does your charity/organization do? Operation Homefront field offices and Dollar Tree Inc. are teaming up again, for the 17th year, to assist military families and ease the financial burden by collecting toys through Nov. 30 to be distributed to the children of junior- and mid-grade (E1-E6) service members and their families. The program distributed more than $5.9 million worth of Dollar Tree toys to military families nationwide in 2022.

Operation Homefront is a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to build strong, stable, and secure military families so that they can thrive – not simply struggle to get by – in the communities they have worked so hard to protect. Recognized for superior performance by leading independent charity oversight groups, 85 percent of Operation Homefront expenditures go directly to programs that support tens of thousands of military families each year.

Operation Homefront provides critical financial assistance, transitional and permanent housing, and family support services to prevent short-term needs from turning into chronic, long-term struggles. For more information, visit OperationHomefront.org.

How can people help? Dollar Tree shoppers can purchase toys and place them in collection boxes set up in the stores. People can also get involved by setting up their own collection bins in their offices, businesses, churches or schools; collecting toys and gift cards; becoming a Dollar Tree volunteer to pick up donated toys; helping to distribute the toys or making a monetary donation to Operation Homefront online. More information on Operation Homefront’s Holiday Toy Drive is available at operationhomefront.net/holidaytoys.

Why should people give to your charity/organization? “The holidays can be a very stressful time for many American families, but particularly so for our nation’s military families, many who may be far from loved ones and struggling to make ends meet,” said retired Brig. Gen. John I. Pray Jr., President & CEO of Operation Homefront.

Website: OperationHomefront.org/HolidayToys

Millstadt

Equus Rescue and Therapy

What does your charity/organization do? Equus Rescue is a 501c3 nonprofit that began in 2008 after its founder, Margo Sutter, learned the shocking fate of many racehorses that can no longer race — many between 2 and 5 years old. She realized that having the potential to live another 25-30 years gave ample time to retrain these magnificent, intuitive animals for a second career as therapy animals. Horses have an amazing ability to connect non-verbally with humans in a highly therapeutic manner, and in some cases, have even surpassed traditional methods. It was a win-win opportunity.

While Equus Rescue focuses mainly on rescuing, rehabilitating, retraining, and re-homing thoroughbred racehorses, it is not breed exclusive when need prevails. To date, Equus Rescue has re-homed, fostered or transitioned over 500 horses into safe or permanent environments.

Now that we have obtained more room at our farm, including a huge indoor arena, we are ready to launch in-house programs focused on youths at risk, our country’s military veterans, crime victim groups and other populations who may find greater comfort in a non-verbal therapeutic environment.

In 2022, due to community support, we launched the Warriors H.E.A.L. program, which utilizes horses to help servicemen and women who experience PTSD heal from their emotional trauma.

However, it remains a huge financial commitment to support and retrain them to serve in new therapeutic roles. Currently, Equus Rescue supports over 50 horses, including descendants of Secretariat, Seattle Slew and even Man o’ War.

How can people help? We always welcome volunteers who love horses. It’s not just mucking stalls. Horse-handling skills are always very helpful, but not required. Bring your talents and we will put them to good use.

We also can use donated items such as pine shavings, bags of feed, grooming supplies, lots and lots of hay, and monetary gifts — for all of which we will happily provide a donation receipt. Our wish lists are available on our website at equusrescue.org.

Please ask your employer or philanthropic group to consider sponsoring a horse for a year.

Why should people give to your charity/organization? Currently, we are 100% donation funded and 100% volunteer staffed, meaning that the donations we receive pay for hay, grain, veterinary expenses, rent and utilities. It costs about $100 per day for hay alone. With your help, we can achieve our goal to become self-sustaining through our therapy programs, clinics and private rental of our new indoor arena, which is suitable for a wide variety of events from horse clinics, shows, riding lessons, training and even horse-themed parties and wedding receptions.

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1032, Columbia, IL 62236; 8743 Le Pere School Road, Millstadt, IL 62260

Phone number: 618-631-3733

Email: EquusRescue1@yahoo.com

Website: equusrescue.org

New Baden

New Baden Giving Tree

What does your charity/organization do? The Giving Tree provides food and clothing to residents of New Baden and New Memphis on a regular and dependable basis.

The Giving Tree also provides backpacks with school supplies for children in New Baden before they go back to school. Around the holidays, the Giving Tree provides Thanksgiving meals and Christmas gifts for the children in the area.

Residents from New Baden or New Memphis may fill out an application at the Zion UCC Office to use the Food Pantry monthly. From June until August, summer food vouchers are available for families with children. Non-residents may be given permission to use the pantry under special circumstances.

How can people help? Monetary contributions can be made at any time, as well as donations of clothing and nonperishable food items. Feel free to call the church at 618-588-4135 if you are interested in volunteering or to find out how you can contribute in another way.

Why should people give to your charity/organization? It is our mission to be a community of God’s people who care for one another by translating our faith into action and being responsive to the social, emotional, intellectual, and possible spiritual needs of those around us in our community.

Mailing address: 414 W. Hanover St., New Baden, IL 62265

Phone number: 618-588-4135

Website: zionuccnb.net and facebook.com/NBZUCC

O’Fallon

Hearts In Faith

What does your charity/organization do? We empower single moms, single fathers and youth by promoting healthy relationships, as well as emotional, mental and spiritual strength.

How can people help? We are in need of school supplies to support the needs of youth in St. Clair and Madison County. We are also in need of hygiene products to distribute to single-parent families in need.

Why should people give to your charity/organization? Supporting single moms, single fathers and youth will ultimately strengthen our communities and enhance the lives of these families.

Mailing address: 7 Eagle Center, Suite B1, O’Fallon, IL 62269

Phone number: 314-529-0214

Website: heartsinfaith.org

O’Fallon Community Food Pantry

What does your charity/organization do? We provide food to families and individuals in O’Fallon who are dealing with food insecurity.

How can people help? We are always looking for volunteers to work at the food pantry. You can donate money directly to the pantry using a link on our website.

Why should people give to your charity/organization? Food insecurity is a real issue in our communities. Food Pantries across the region are working hard to address this issue. As a volunteer-run organization, we depend on support and donations from individuals, community organizations, and churches to help us address this issue.

Mailing address: 801 E. State St., O’Fallon, IL 62269

Phone number: 618-624-7040

Website: ofallonfoodpantry.org

St. Jacob

Partners for Pets Humane Society

What does your charity/organization do? Partners for Pets is 501c3 non-profit animal rescue located in Troy, Ill.

How can people help? Individuals throughout the community can help Partners for Pets by spreading the word about our organization’s mission, volunteering, fostering a rescued pet, donating or considering adoption!

Why should people give to your charity/organization? A donation to Partners for Pets not only assists by providing the life-saving funds needed to rescue an animal in need, it allows our organization to continue expanding our mission to help both the animals and people throughout our community.

Mailing address: 9136 Lower Marine Rd, St Jacob, IL 62281

Phone number: 618-540-7387

Website: partnersforpetsil.org

Swansea

LINC, Inc. (Living Independently Now Center)

What does your charity/organization do? LINC provides independent living services to people with all types of disabilities and all ages, including but not limited to advocacy; peer support; independent living skills training; information and referral; and both youth and nursing home transition. Our services are holistic in nature, ensuring that all needs are addressed. And 51% or more of our board and staff positions are filled by people with disabilities.

How can people help? Donations are gratefully accepted at our office, on our website or by mail. Gifts of both money and time are truly valued. We are currently seeking volunteers for several projects, and we are also seeking mission-minded individuals to serve on our board of directors. Give us a call for more information.

Why should people give to your charity/organization? Giving is a win-win situation. You get to feel good about donating to support quality local services that help people with varying disability-related needs. LINC’s support groups, equipment loan program, and community programs are funded by your donations. And our state or federally funded programs, restricted by requirements, are enhanced by your generosity. People with disabilities in our community live better through receiving assistive devices or equipment and/or support from others who have been there. LINC’s consumers can live more independently, creating stronger individuals and a more inclusive community.

Mailing address: 15 Emerald Terrace, Swansea, IL 62226

Phone number: 618-235-9988

Website: lincinc.org

Troy

Equipping the Called Foster & Crisis Closet

What does your charity/organization do? Equipping the Called is a nonprofit, which exists to assist children in crisis, kinship placements, safe family program participants and “at risk” families identified by the Department Children and Family Services or law enforcement in Southwestern Illinois.

At times, foster families receive children in crisis with little or no notice. Children are often placed into foster care with no personal items. In many cases, they come into care with only the clothes on their backs. Equipping the Called provides foster families the opportunity to shop at our foster closet boutique for clothing, backpacks, formula, diapers, shoes, socks and underwear, all at no cost to the family. All items provided to children by Equipping the Called are either in new or “like new” condition. Families are given one-hour, private appointments so they can select items without the normal distractions of public shopping.

How can people help? We need donations of new clothing (including socks and underwear), money to purchase new shoes and diapers and store gift cards. Volunteers are needed to organize new clothing and diaper drives, assist with day-to-day running of the foster closet, assist families when shopping and sort donations.

Why should people give to your charity/organization? Foster care is not seasonal. More and more children are coming into care due to the opioid crisis. With your help, Equipping The Called will be able to help more families in need.

We can’t solve the crisis of children being removed from families, but we can assist in helping them transition into a family with self-esteem and dignity.

Mailing address: 850 Vandalia St. Suite 310, Collinsville, IL 62234

Phone number: 618-205-3112

Website: equippingthecalled.org

Waterloo

Human Support Services

What does your charity/organization do? HSS offers outpatient counseling services, 24-hour crisis support, substance use services, housing for individuals with developmental disabilities or severe mental illness, and on-site job training programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Our programs and services are as diverse as the needs of those who rely on us. When you donate to HSS, you are truly saving lives and giving young people in Monroe County the opportunity to pursue their greatest potential.

How can people help? As a 501c3 nonprofit, Human Support Services relies on the support of our community to provide our services and programs. With your help, we impact more than 1,300 local lives every year. Donations can be made online at hss1.org or by mail to Human Support Services, 988 N. Illinois Route 3, P.O. Box 146, Waterloo, IL 62298-0146.

Why should people give to your charity/organization? We know a community is only as strong as each of its members, and we are here for everyone.

Thanks to generous supporters like you, HSS can offer counseling, housing assistance, employment training programs and much more to all people, regardless of their ability to pay.

When you give to HSS, your donation stays right here, supporting programs for local individuals and families.

Donations are tax deductible and allow us to support our mission of Helping All People Live Their Best Lives.

Mailing address: 988 N. Illinois Route 3, P.O. Box 146, Waterloo, IL 62298-0146

Phone number: 618-939-4444

Website: hss1.org

Monroe County House of Neighborly Service

What does your charity/organization do? The House of Neighborly Service is a group of churches, agencies, schools, civic groups and organizations who have the common mission to empower families and individuals in their lives.

How can people help? We are an agency of volunteers who provide food, clothing and other assistance to individuals and families in Monroe County. We welcome any donations relating to those needs, as well as individuals who wish to volunteer.

Why should people give to your charity/organization? House of Neighborly Service is a non-profit, community-based organization that is all about neighbors helping neighbors. We are not a government funded agency, and we work with individuals and families one-on-one to meet their specific needs.

Mailing address: 217 W. Mill St., Waterloo, IL, United States, Illinois

Phone number: 618-939-8900

St. Louis, Missouri

Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, St. Louis Chapter

What does your charity/organization do? AAFA-STL provides prescription allergy, asthma, and eczema medications to low-income children, as well as providing nebulizers and other asthma rescue equipment to school nurses that can be used in an emergency.

AAFA-STL also provides educational workshops on food allergies and asthma for the community.

How can people help? Monetary donations are accepted. Find out more at aafastl.org/donate.

Volunteers are needed to help plan the Orchid Affair gala event and to join our speakers bureau.

Why should people give to your charity/organization? One in 10 people in our community is affected by asthma and over 5 percent of children have life-threatening food allergies. St. Clair and Madison County have the highest instances of asthma in the state of Illinois. AAFA-STL helps children, and their families breathe easy.

Mailing address: 5501 Delmar Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63112

Phone number: 314-645-2422

Website: aafastl.org