The Salvation Army - Heartland Division

CU Canteen Run, established in 2002, is a volunteer run initiative that thrives because of servant hearts in the community who gift their time and donations to meet the daily needs of our homeless friends. The Canteen is a mobile unit provided by Salvation Army that is active multiple nights each week in Champaign-Urbana. The volunteers on the Canteen Run distribute essentials like food, blankets, clothing, hygiene products, fellowship and aid. The Canteen team is made up of church partners, individuals, and like-minded organizations who become friends to those who are living without a roof of their own.

The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Response Teams are activated when emergencies arise.  Our teams respond to calls from local emergency services (Fire, Police etc.) to assist in meeting the needs of the victims and emergency responders.

There is training required to be part of the EDS Team, as well as different levels of training to qualify for a variety of positions on the team. To sign up, visit: https://disaster.salvationarmyusa.org/volunteer/

You can help us assist Champaign County residents with critical programs and services offered at The Red Shield Center in the Social Services Department.

Let’s face it, buildings need organized, cleaned, and maintained. For some, this can seem like a real chore. For others, it’s right up their alley! If you have a passion for greeting guests in person and over the phone, processing and organizing data, cleaning, or keeping our facility looking great and safe while we serve those in need, don’t hesitate to contact us!

Spiritual Gifts Suggested:  Helps, Hospitality, Service, Administration

Through the continued support of the community at Christmas, we are able to come alongside families, individuals, and seniors during the holidays when it can be extra difficult. This is often the time they are reminded that they can't afford gifts, a new coat for their kids, or a special meal for Christmas Day. Remembering a loved one that has died can also bring a feeling of hopelessness during the holidays. The Salvation Army is giving people the opportunity to step up and make a difference in the lives of others who are in need.

Spiritual Gifts Suggested: Helps, Service, Gifts

Perhaps what The Salvation Army is best known for is our care and outreach to those who are in need. Throughout the United States, we help over 30,000,000 people each year, and you can be a part of that. We’re always looking for presenters in our Life Together workshops, Pathway of Hope mentors, or packing emergency food boxes once a month. But those aren’t the only opportunities you can do to have an impact on supporting your community. Our community support needs vary seasonally so there is always something to be a part of.

Spiritual Gifts Suggested:  Hospitality, Mercy, Service, Helps, Teaching

Join our team of trained volunteers that respond to local disasters, fires and events in our community.  Our team serves LaSalle, Bureau, Grundy, and Putnam counties for disasters. Be the first on the front lines to lend hydration, food, and physical/emotional/spiritual support to families who have experienced a disaster and our local fire and police departments.

Spiritual Gifts Suggested: Service, Helps, Hospitality, Evangelism

There are exciting ways you can get involved in the ministry of The Salvation Army. We are putting church planting back in our DNA with the Connection Project. You can be part of planting faith communities throughout the Starved Rock Region, and be part of making more people more like Jesus.

Spiritual Gifts Suggested:  Exhortation, Evangelism, Apostleship, Hospitality, Shepherding

The Peoria Salvation Army provides meals to the individuals in the Family Shelter, Men's Shelter and the Child Care Center. In addition, The Salvation Army provides to-go lunch bags for community members in need Monday-Friday during the lunch hours and the food pantry program is open 2 days a week. 

Volunteers are needed to help in our Family Services Kitchen and Warehouse to help with these feeding programs.

The Peoria Salvation Army would be happy to accommodate a group for a one-time volunteer service date. We would need advance notice in order to prepare for your group and ensure the service time will be of most value to everybody involved. 

We often times need groups to help with warehouse organizing/cleaning, sandwich making, etc. If you do not see an opportunity in the "Group Projects" category below that fits your interest, please have your point person for the group contact our Volunteer and Special Events Coordinator, Maddison Barnard, at maddison.barnard@usc.salvationarmy.org or 309-253-9909

From Sunday Services to Fellowship for youth and adults - The Salvation Army's Corps and Community Center in Peoria has many ways for community members to connect with others in the light of God's words and teachings. 

The Peoria Citadel is located at 2903 West Nebraska Avenue in Peoria. There are many programs and services offered at this location, which offers many ways for volunteers to serve. 

Check out the current volunteer needs for our Corps and Community Center below:

Make an impact from the comfort of your own space, on your own time! Remote and virtual volunteer opportunities provide you with the flexibility to make a difference from anywhere at anytime!

Check out the current list of remote and virtual volunteer opportunities below:

The Peoria Salvation Army offers a wide range of Family and Social Services to the public.

Our Family Service Office is open to the public Monday - Friday where individuals in need can inquire about shelter, rental assistance, utility assistance, and Food Pantry assistance. (Our Family Services building is located at 417 NE Adams St. in downtown Peoria).

Our Family Shelter and Men's Shelter locations are open 24/7 to serve our current shelter clients. (Our Men's Shelter is located at 414 NE Jefferson St. in downtown Peoria. Our Family Shelter is located at 417 NE Adams St. in downtown Peoria). 

Volunteers are often needed to help support our Social Services programs.

Check out the current list of Social Services volunteer opportunities below:

Character Building Programs for children ages 3-18. Background checks are required for any volunteers under this category.