Looking for a charity in Southern Illinois to support this holiday season? Here’s a list.
For many people, the holiday spirit is about giving to others by volunteering or donating to a favorite charity.
Each year, between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, the BND publishes brief profiles of local nonprofits that can use the public’s help.
If you would like your tax-exempt, nonprofit organization included in the list and are willing to answer our q-and-a, please contact Jennifer Green at jgreen@bnd.com. We will update the list until Christmas.
Here’s the list so far, with information provided by each charity:
Alton
Riverbend Head Start and Family Services
What does your charity 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? 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. Unrestricted gifts from individuals and corporations help us offer quality education to at-risk children, while helping their families develop life skills and provide the tools to access community resources that help reverse the effects of poverty. Individuals age 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 Jahara Davis at 618-463-8913 to schedule a tour.
Mailing address: 550 Landmarks Blvd., Alton, IL 62002
Phone number: 618-463-5946
Website: riverbendfamilies.org
Mid-Town Moms
What does your charity do? Our mission is to support and strengthen our communities by providing underprivileged children with birthday and Christmas gifts.
Donations for teenagers are always low. This means many of the teens will receive no gifts during the holiday season. Our goal is to brighten the holidays of area teenagers along with their siblings with special gifts of fun and practical items. We will provide holiday gifts to homeless and low-income teenagers who may not have any special attention at this festive time.
How can people help? We are collecting toys and gift baskets for local children and teens. Donate a basket as a group, department or individual. Gift basket ideas: crafts, sports, board games, candy, video games, bath stuff, coffee, baking, man cave.
These baskets will be going to teens aged 13-17. We cannot accept anything illegal or inappropriate. You can also check out full wish list on our website midtownmoms.com.
Why should people give to your charity? Our toy and gift basket drive will be on Dec. 9 until Dec. 19 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the YWCA, 304 E. 3rd, Alton, Illinois. Any and all donations are greatly appreciated, and we can pick up any donations. Contact Savanna at 618-580-7291 and we will arrange pick-up. Monetary donations can be made at paypal.me/midtownmoms.
Mailing address: 304 E. 3rd, Suite 206, Alton, IL 62002
Phone number: 618-580-7291
Website: midtownmoms.com
Belleville
Belleville Area Humane Society
What does your charity do? The Belleville Area Humane Society strives to improve the lives of homeless animals in our community through adoption, humane education and community outreach. Although BAHS mostly handles pet adoptions, we also work with programs to help keep pets in homes, provide a pet supplies pantry, provide funding for emergency pet bills and offer community training classes.
How can people help? Please visit our website to learn ways to give or to volunteer your time. We are always looking for people willing to foster dogs and cats. Stop by and see us. We’d love to meet you.
Why should people give to your charity? The BAHS is currently celebrating 60 years of service to the Belleville community. We work hard to keep people and pets together. We wish our services weren’t needed but do our best to help pets and people in need. Thank you for considering supporting our mission.
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 do? The Belleville Kiwanis believes in putting kids first. The list of projects that we support is lengthy. This fall we hosted our first 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. We sponsor leadership programs known as Key Clubs for high school students. A scholarship at Southwestern Illinois College is funded annually by our group. The club hosted an electronics recycling event this past spring that resulted in five large truckloads of electronics being recycled and out of the landfill. 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.
How can people help? Our group welcomes volunteers – we are not by invitation only. Age, occupation, religion, political preferences are irrelevant with 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 projects especially at our Christmas tree lot, electronics recycling, and Go Baby Go events. We know our volunteers and members can’t make every event or attend every meeting.
Donations are also accepted. Supporters can also come purchase a fresh wreath or Christmas tree or grave blanket.
Why should people give to your charity? 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 need in our area that is 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
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwestern Illinois
What does your charity do? We partner with parents, guardians, volunteers, schools and others in the community to provide match support for youth facing adversity. We hold ourselves accountable for the safety of each child in our program achieving: higher aspirations, greater confidence, better relationships, avoidance of risky behaviors and educational success.
How can people help? Donate and/or volunteer.
Why should people give to your charity? All children deserve the time and attention to help them achieve success in life. By giving to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwestern Illinois, people are defending potential.
Mailing address: 2900 Frank Scott Parkway West, #956, Belleville, IL 62223
Phone number: 618-398-3162
Website: bbbsil.org
Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Southern Illinois
What does your charity do? Since 1977, the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Southern Illinois (EFGSI) has been providing a full spectrum of comprehensive services (such as residential facilities, monthly support groups, summer camp for children, comprehensive case management services, seizure first aid training, emergency medication assistance, etc.) for people whose lives have been affected by epilepsy.
How can people help? Monetary and/or in-kind donations of food, household supplies, gift cards are accepted and appreciated throughout the year. There are many volunteer opportunities such as office work, special events (annual walk, annual gala) and summer camp counselors. All donations go directly toward helping individuals facing the struggles of living with epilepsy.
Why should people give to your charity? The Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Southern Illinois has been serving southern Illinois since 1977. In fiscal year 2018 alone, 129,261 individuals received some form of epilepsy education, information and coordination services. All donations to the Epilepsy Foundation remain locally to help individuals living in your community.
Mailing address: 3515 North Belt West, Belleville, IL 62226
Phone number: 618-236-2181
Website: efgreatersil.org
Family Hospice and Heartlinks Grief Center
What does your charity do? Family Hospice helps terminally ill patients and their caregivers/families with care for their physical, emotional and spiritual needs. In addition to those basic needs, we offer an extensive bereavement program in our Heartlinks Grief Center.
How can people help? Donations and volunteers accepted. You can also support our annual Tree of Memories campaign with the purchase of a Remembrance Angel ornament, various smaller ornaments, or through a donation.
Why should people give to your charity? We are a small non-profit hospice agency located in Belleville and serve communities in our surrounding counties of St. Clair, Monroe, Madison, Randolph, Clinton and Washington. In addition to hospice and grief care, we also provide services such as music therapy, pet therapy, physical/speech/occupational therapies, veteran services, homemaker and other volunteer services. A recent addition is the Linus Blanket program, which provides homemade blankets to children who are at risk or in need. Blankets are lovingly made by adults and children in the community.
Mailing address: 5110 W. Main Street, Belleville, IL 62226
Phone number: 618-277-1800
Website: familyhospice.org and myheartlinks.com
Hands to Help
What does your charity do? Hands to Help provides free massage therapy for terminal, elderly and disabled people and full-time caregivers.
How can people help? Donate. Right now, we can afford to give our patients six free visits, and then after that, it’s $30 a visit. The majority of the money that is donated to us goes directly to the patient care. The therapists get paid $25 a visit, plus mileage one way. Volunteers to plan fundraising events or apply for grant money for Hands to Help are also welcomed.
Why should people give to your charity? The people that we serve are a forgotten population. So many of our patients are so lonely. They never get out of the house. They don’t see anybody. Their families aren’t around. And that hour a week of just conversation and some love, it makes a huge difference even if there’s not physical pain.
Mailing address: P.O. Box 797, Belleville, IL 62220
Phone number: 618-235-8853
Website: handstohelpnfp.org
Hospice of Southern Illinois
What does your charity do? The mission of Hospice of Southern Illinois is to enhance the quality of life for individuals and their loved ones touched by a terminal illness.
Hospice of Southern Illinois provides specialized care services for patients and families who are faced with a terminal illness. Our focus is on patient care including symptom management, emotional support, spiritual support and psychosocial intervention.
Our approach is multi-disciplinary and includes the area’s only full-time physician, pharmacist, nurse practitioner, nurses, hospice aides, social workers, bereavement counselors and volunteers who, together, form a support team around each patient. We address issues most important to the patients’ wants and needs at the end of their life while focusing on improving the individual’s quality of life.
How can people help? Give back. Get involved. Make a difference to other families facing end-of-life issues. Learn various ways to support Hospice of Southern Illinois including tax-deductible donations, personal financial commitments, attend entertaining events, attend educational evenings, become a volunteer and/or join our dedicated team of healthcare professionals.
Why should people give to your charity? As a not-for-profit organization, we rely on community support to enhance the programs and services we provide to terminally ill patients and their families. Fundraisers and community support allows us to continue to provide the highest quality end-of-life care and contributes to some specialty programs we offer: the We Honor Veterans program, our volunteer programs and the pet therapy program.
Mailing address: 305 S. Illinois St., Belleville, IL 62220
Phone number: 618-235-1703
Website: hospice.org. Like Hospice of Southern Illinois on Facebook and Instagram.
MindsEye
What does your charity do? MindsEye’s mission is translating vision into audio to connect people with a visual disability to the St. Louis region. Since 1973, MindsEye has led the region in adaptive services for people with visual disability – historically this meant a radio service providing audio broadcast of printed material. The Audio Description Program is on the forefront of bridging visual accessibility to arts and culture. Beepball, a spin on baseball that unites blind and sighted athletes, serves as a year-round educational program for public schools and the community at large. You can learn more about MindsEye and how we connect with our community at www.mindseyeradio.org and on Facebook @mindseyeradio.
How can people help? Donate. Become a monthly donor or support MindsEye through sponsoring and attending events like our annual Soiree pour la Vue in February. The opportunities to volunteer are varied and endless. Beyond the Radio Reading Service and Audio Description Program, we present several special events throughout the year, including: MindsEye Trivia Night, our annual Soiree pour la Vue, the No Run, Beer Run, and the Ultimate Beepball Tournament in the summer.
Why should people give to your charity? MindsEye is the only service of its kind in our region. By supporting MindsEye, you are supporting access to the news and entertainment individuals with visual-impairments would not be able to access otherwise. MindsEye’s audio description means that every person who attends a theater production or exhibit, regardless of visual-impairment, has the chance to enjoy a rewarding experience. Beepball gives visually-impaired athletes a chance to get back in the game.
Mailing address: 9541 Church Circle Drive, Belleville, IL 62223
Phone number: 618-394-6444
Website: mindseyeradio.org
Optimist Club of Belleville Foundation
What does your charity do? The primary functions of the Optimist Club of Belleville Foundation is 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? So many youth 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
▪ Childhood Cancer Campaign
▪ College scholarship fund
▪ Junior Optimist Golf Tournament
Mailing address: P.O. Box 636, Belleville, IL 62222
Phone number: 618-806-5145
Website: bellevilleoptimist.org
Parent Teacher Organization for Exceptional Children
What does your charity 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 volunteers and especially in coaches interested in helping with Special Olympics sports. Like most not-for-profit organizations we also really appreciate any an all monetary donations! Your generous cash contributions buys uniforms, pays for transportation to competitions, and allows 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? PTOEC is a community of amazing people working together to support individuals with intellectual disabilities. We work hard everyday 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 do? Project Compassion empowers, enhances and educates homeless and low-income women and children, offering empowerment and self-esteem programs to youth in high school and middle schools. We also offer therapy and season food and supplies to those in need.
How can people help? Project Compassion accepts the following:
▪ Monetary donations (Checks made payable to Project Compassion or through projectcompassionnfp.org)
▪ Hygiene product donations (soap, single toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, wash cloths and diapers)
▪ New socks
▪ New or gently used blankets
▪ Volunteers are welcomed Monday-Friday
Why should people give to your charity? Project Compassion has proudly served the community without any state or federal assistance. We’ve served over 80,000 homeless and low-income men, women and youth. We strive to empower the homeless and enhance the lives of those in need. We offer a free diaper bank to our community.
Mailing address: 6609 W. Main St., Belleville, IL 62223
Phone number: 618-397-1790
Website: projectcompassionnfp.org
Senior Companion Program
What does your charity do? Senior Companions are older adults who provide companionship and assistance to their peers who are homebound or socially isolated. Senior Companions also assist with daily tasks and provide 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 and independence. The goal is to keep clients independent and in their own homes.
Senior Companions come a minimum of four hours per day. 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.
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? The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) knows that service works, which is why they are committed to improving lives, strengthening communities and fostering civic engagement through service and volunteering. 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. New data from the first year of the CNCS impact study shows 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. 7040 or ext. 7036
Website: swic.edu/community/senior-programs/psop/programs
Soup & Raisins Program
What does your charity do? The Soup & Raisins Program provides basic meals to students at Southwestern Illinois College who are struggling. Free ramen noodles, raisins and crackers are available through the SWIC Success Center for students in need. An average of 250 meals are given out each week.
How can people help? While SWIC employees can donate through payroll deduction, monetary donations are graciously accepted through the SWIC Foundation. Please designate in the memo line that the donation is for the Soup & Raisins Program. Donations of ramen noodles (in cups), raisins and crackers are appreciated as well.
Why should people give to your charity? SWIC students are often on their own after having a safety net in high school — free or reduced lunches are no longer provided. Child care 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: SWIC Foundation, 2500 Carlyle Ave., Belleville, IL 62221
Phone number: 618-235-2700, ext. 5174 or 618-301-6721
St. Clair TNR & Rescue
What does your charity 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. County members call our number, appointments are set to trap (spay, vaccinate and return the feral/community cats), and the 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. Animals ready for adoption are listed on petfinder.com and are available at Belleville PetSmart adoption events the first Saturday of the month.
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 Amazonsmile charity of choice. We have a wishlist on Amazon as well. And we are always thankful for donations. You can donate on our page at stclairtnrandrescue.vistaprintdigital.com by clicking on the donate button or by mail by sending donations to 3067 Plum Hill School Road, Belleville, IL 62221. Follow us on Facebook at Facebook.com/maggiesmuttmission to learn more.
Why should people give to your charity? St. Clair County is committed to going no kill by 2021. In order for this to happen, spaying/neutering feral cats is a must. St. Clair TNR & Rescue is committed to helping the county achieve this goal 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.
Mailing address: 3067 Plum Hill School Road, Belleville, IL 62221
Phone number: 314-339-7481
Website: stclairtnrandrescue.vistaprintdigital.com
Breese
Community Link
What does your charity do? Since 1972, Community Link has been dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities through a person-centered approach that promotes self-directed living choices and community integration opportunities. The mission of Community Link is to challenge, teach and inspire both participants and community, linking them in ways that enhance their lives.
How can people help? Community Link accepts monetary donations and appreciates the assistance of volunteers. The community can also help by patronizing The Red Porch, a café that, in partnership with Clinton Manor Living Center, provides persons with disabilities the opportunity to work and gain skills that would be transferable to other jobs. The Red Porch is located at 301 E. Hanover in New Baden.
Why should people give to your charity? With the lack of state funding, Community Link has learned to do more with less and appreciates the support from individuals and companies through their monetary donations.
Without the support from the community, we would not be able to provide the high standard of service our participants and their families deserve and have come to expect from our organization.
Mailing address: 1665 N. Fourth St., Breese, IL 62230
Phone number: 618-526-8800
Website: commlink.org and theredporch.com
Cahokia
Cahokia Community Basket
What does your charity do? We are a food pantry that serves residents of St. Clair County. We provide supplemental food to approximately 1,300 families each month.
How can people help? Donations can be dropped off at our building on Wednesday, monetary donations can be mailed to us at 300 Annunciation Court, Cahokia, IL 62206. Volunteers are always needed.
Why should people give to your charity? Cahokia Community Basket is a 501c3 charity backed by the Cahokia Knights of Columbus and the St. Louis Area Foodbank. We are the only drive-thru food pantry in the state. We average 375 to 400 St. Clair County families each week during our two-hour, drive-thru distribution. We have a dedicated group of volunteers to do the work but rely totally on donations for food to distribute and money to pay our utilities. There is such a need for food assistance in St. Clair County. We are currently collecting food to provide each of our clients a full Christmas dinner. Last year, we were able to serve over 500 families at Christmas. We are hoping to do the same this year.
Mailing address: 300 Annunciation Court, Cahokia, IL 62206
Phone number: 618-604-1442
Collinsville
Collinsville Food Pantry
What does your charity do? The Collinsville Food Pantry offers grocery-style shopping to clients, Tote Me Home program (weekend meal package for school-age children) two soup kitchens, emergency food boxes, transient care packages for the homeless, utility assistance, senior commodities and resources for health care, dental, nutrition, employment services and food stamp application services.
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 volunteering opportunities with us. Call 618-346-1861.
Why should people give to your charity? The Collinsville Food Pantry needs community support to continually provide quality services to those that are struggling and in need of assistance.
Mailing address: 201 E. Church St., Collinsville, IL 62234
Phone number: 618-346-1861
St. John’s Community Care
What does your charity do? Care compassionately for aging and disabled people, supporting their independence and their family caregivers.
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 contact Stacey Rhodes at 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? St. John’s Community Care is committed to serving those who are challenged with aging 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 viewed 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
Phone number: 618-344-5008
Website: stjohnscc.org
East St. Louis
Call for Help Inc.
What does your charity do? Call for Help Inc. helps people overcome a variety of personal crises, ranging from sexual assault and poverty, to homelessness and mental health. We change lives by giving people skills and support that empower them to overcome emotional and physical crises.
How can people help? Call For Help is determined to help others build new beginnings, but it is only possible with community support. We accept both monetary donations and gently used items. To find out more about our recent donation needs, call 618-397-0968, email info@callforhelpinc.org, text our donation text-line at 731-599-7864 or visit the Facebook page at Facebook.com/callforhelporg. We are always welcoming volunteers to our team. Email volunteer@callforhelpinc.org or our website www.callforhelpinc.org to learn more about volunteer opportunities.
Why should people give to your charity? Call for Help Inc. was started in 1970 to recognize the need for a suicide prevention program in Madison and St. Clair counties. Since then, we have grown our services to provide the best programs to meet our community’s largest needs. We are incredibly proud to support local families for generations. The most needed services are not always the easiest to provide, however, Call For Help remains determined to be an institution that those most vulnerable can rely upon. We believe in helping people reach their goal of long-standing positive change whenever they are ready.
Mailing address: 9400 Lebanon Road, East St. Louis, IL 62203
Phone number: 618-397-0968
Website: callforhelpinc.org
Gateway Pet Guardians
What does your charity do? Animal welfare in the East St. Louis metro area.
How can people help? Donate, volunteer to walk dogs or volunteer to foster dogs and cats.
Why should people give to your charity? Our work is focused on eliminating pet homelessness in the East St. Louis community through intake and rehabilitation of pets, as well as community programming to keep pets with their families.
Mailing address: 725 N. 15th St., East St. Louis, IL 62205
Phone number: 314-664-7398
Website: gatewaypets.org
Lessie Bates Davis Neighborhood House Inc.
What does your charity do? Neighborhood House is a community center providing a wide range of programs and services to the East St. Louis community.
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? Neighborhood House has a long history in the East St. Louis community. Our community is one of the most impoverished in the surrounding area. People in East St. Louis need your help during the holiday season.
Mailing address: 1200 N. 13th St., East St. Louis, IL 62205
Phone number: 618-874-0777
Website: lessiebatesdavis.org
Our Brother’s Keepers of Southern Illinois
What does your charity do? Our Brothers’ Keepers of Southern Illinois (OBK) is a Christian faith-based organization dedicated to the full integration of formerly incarcerated persons, “returning citizens,” into the local community. OBK assists returning citizens in attaining productive citizenship by participation in re-entry services, including supportive housing, life and career skills, and counseling services. Productive citizenship and full integration is demonstrated by a stable lifestyle, which includes dignified housing, necessary identification, employment and/or a reliable income (such as SSI, SS or disability), possession of life skills, a sincere willingness to become sober/addiction-free and maintenance of strong family and faith-based relationships. OBK’s program coordinator and staff collaborate with additional providers, faith communities and government agencies to achieve full integration.
How can people help? OBK is in need of funds to support the utilities of our reintegration office, and to provide emergency stopgap assistance while returning citizens await permanent housing, jobs, etc.
Why should people give to your charity? Many returning citizens are released from prisons with inadequate or no support. Our Brothers’ Keepers recognizes that each person has a unique history, strengths, talents, abilities and challenges. OBK supports these individuals, strengthening families and communities and providing hope.
Mailing address: P.O. Box 398, East St. Louis, IL 62200-0398
Phone number: 618-482-5570
Website: obkministry.org
Fairview Heights
Hoyleton Youth and Family Services
What does your charity do? Hoyleton cares for some of the most underprivileged children and families in Southern Illinois through behavioral and mental health, residential, foster care, human trafficking, and prevention services. Our focus is simple: ”One child at a time.” We 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 spirits brighter this holiday season by donating gift cards or making a donation online to help us fill the gaps of gifts and the needs for our kids and families. Contact our Development Department at 618-688-4727 or adrobisch@hoyleton.org if you have questions.
Why should people give to your charity? Many of the children in our residential programs will spend the holidays with us. Many of the families in our community-based programs are struggling to meet basic needs. We do everything we can to make this time of year as happy as possible for those who may be having struggles. We are hopeful that you might join us this Christmas season to make sure every child in our care has a gift to open 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 do? We serve children and adults with autism spectrum disorder and developmental disabilities.
How can people help? There are many opportunities to help the Illinois Center for Autism (ICA). You can support ICA by making a general donation, joining Hearts for Autism, sponsoring one of our many fundraising events, learning about our legacy opportunities or by becoming a volunteer. For information on all of the aforementioned, please go to illinoiscenterforautism.org or contact us at 618-398-7500.
Why should people give to your charity? We have over 40 years of developing programs for children and adults with autism spectrum disorder 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 58 people are 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. We need your help.
Mailing address: 548 S. Ruby Lane, Fairview Heights, IL 62208
Phone number: 618-398-7500
Website: illinoiscenterforautism.org
Freeburg
Fire Truck O’ Toys
What does your charity 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? New, unwrapped toys can be delivered to any of our drop off locations, or we accept monetary donations for Santa’s helpers to buy our toys.
Why should people give to your charity? To date, we’ve collected over 33,000 toys and have distributed to five St. Louis hospitals, including SSM Cardinal Glennon, St. Louis Children’s Hospital, Shriner’s Hospital for Children, Mercy Hospital for Children and Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge 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 percent of donations for 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 do? Beverly Farm Foundation provides services to individuals with developmental disabilities. We ensure each individual has physical and emotional security and a dignified quality of life, with opportunities and challenges, within each individual’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.
Why should people give to your charity? We have been providing exceptional services for 122 years in the Riverbend community, and our staff strive to live our mission out each day.
Mailing address: 6301 Humbert Road, Godfrey, IL 62035
Phone number: 618-466-0367
Website: beverlyfarm.org
Mascoutah
Lew Civic Center Inc.
What does your charity do? The Leu Civic Center plans and organizes a variety of recreational, cultural, social and civic programs for the youth and families of Mascoutah, Scott Air Force Base, Lebanon, New Baden, Freeburg and the surrounding communities. The center has been providing a a variety of programs for over 40 years.
We offer programs for children and their families to encourage physical fitness, teamwork and respect for themselves and others around them. Financial assistance is provided to families in need and any military family with a deployed family member.
On school days, we provide a late afternoon meal for any child who needs one, no questions asked.
How can people help? Individuals and corporations can help by making a donation to help us keep providing the services we offer and/or by volunteering their time, services and skills.
Why should people give to your charity? We are one of the most affordable recreational/sports centers in the bi-state area. We only charge a family $40 per year for membership and all of our classes. Any family that needs financial assistance is provided with a scholarship. We also provide all military families with a deployed family member full scholarships.
Mailing address: 213 N. Market St., Mascoutah, IL 62258
Phone number: 618-566-2175
Website: leuciviccenter.com
Millstadt
Equus Rescue and Therapy
What does your charity 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 400 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. However, it remains a huge financial commitment to support and retrain them to serve in new therapeutic roles. Currently, Equus Rescue supports 54 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. Please ask your employer or philanthropic group to consider sponsoring a horse for a year.
Why should people give to your charity? Currently, we are 100 percent donation funded and 100 percent 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: 8743 LePere School Road, Millstadt, IL 62260
Website: equusrescue.org
New Baden
Zion United Church of Christ’s Giving Tree
What does your charity do? The Giving Tree provides food and clothing to residents of New Baden and New Memphis on a regular and dependable basis. During the summer, children in the area are provided lunch Monday-Friday through our Summer Lunch Program. 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.
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? 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
O’Fallon
Hearts In Faith
What does your charity 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 sponsors for single moms, single fathers and their children. Sponsors can purchase requested items or provide a monetary donation for the agency to do the shopping. New blankets are needed for care packages. Donations of school supplies are also appreciated.
Why should people give to your charity? 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
Rock Steady Boxing O’Fallon, Inc.
What does your charity do? We help people with Parkinson’s fight back against the debilitating effects of this progressive, neurological disease using exercise that helps to slow the progression of their Parkinsonian symptoms. Our program is appropriate for people with all stages of the disease and focuses on agility, mobility, balance, coordination, strength and flexibility. Movements are modified to accommodate anyone with a diagnosis of Parkinson’s. As important as the physical movement is the camaraderie and the friendship that develops among the group. It is challenging, rewarding and empowering to be fighting back together.
How can people help? Encourage those with Parkinson’s to join us! We also welcome volunteers (aka corner people) to join us for classes to provide assistance to those who need it. Safety is priority. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, we welcome and are in need of financial assistance.
Why should people give to your charity? A diagnosis of Parkinson’s is crushing and real. As dozens of scientific sessions show, the quest to defeat Parkinson’s is a long, complicated war being fought on many fronts. Forced, intense exercise has been proven to slow the progression of PD. We are helping to improve our boxers’ quality of life – physically, emotionally and spiritually – maintain their independence and dignity. RSB offers hope to those with Parkinson’s and their families. They don’t have to fight back alone. Stepping into the ring with them, either as a volunteer or by making a gift, will have a profound impact on them and all who are associated with Rock Steady Boxing O’Fallon.
Mailing address: 629 W. Highway 50, O’Fallon, IL 62269
Phone number: 618-589-9080
Website: rsbofallon.com
Waterloo
Human Support Services (HSS)
What does your charity do? We help all people live their best lives. For every individual who walks through our doors, the path to achieving that vision looks a little different.
For Jeremy, it meant helping him self-identify his talents, goals and dreams. Through our job training and community employment programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, we helped Jeremy find a rewarding career and pursue his independence.
For Morgan, her “best life,” could only be pursued after she found ways to cope with mental health concerns. Our HSS counselors provided her with support and the tools she needed for a bright future.
And for some, like Jeff, HSS is the light in a long dark tunnel. Thanks to our substance use and addiction recovery services, Jeff will spend the holidays with his family this year.
Our programs and services are as diverse as the needs of those who rely on us.
How can people help? As a 501c3 nonprofit, Human Support Services (HSS) 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 www.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? We know a community is only as strong as each of its members, and we’re here for each and every one. Thanks to generous supporters like you, HSS is able to 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 continue to help change lives in your community.
Mailing address: 988 N. Illinois 3, P.O. Box 146, Waterloo, IL 62298-0146
Phone number: 618-939-4444
Website: hss1.org
This story was originally published November 28, 2019 at 5:00 AM.