Central Illinois nonprofits ask public for help feeding the less fortunate ahead of Thanksgiving

CENTRAL ILLINOIS (25News Now) – Several nonprofits in Central Illinois are asking neighbors for help serving those in need ahead of Thanksgiving.

In Bloomington, Home Sweet Home Ministries (HSHM) is seeking more turkey donations to help the less fortunate. On Nov. 23, the nonprofit will host their annual Give Thanks and Big Give distribution that aims to feed less fortunate families.

The goal is to send out 2,000 turkeys across McLean County.

“The biggest push we have right now is to see turkey donations come in,” said HSHM Development Director Leslie Bunge. “The best way they can do that is to shop at our local Hy-Vee in Bloomington.”

Those who shop at Hy-Vee can make donations to go toward meal distribution by purchasing a Turkey card for $20, which will go toward the food donated. There will also be a dinner for those in need, and a giveaway on Thanksgiving Day for the elderly and shut-ins.

Meanwhile, in Peoria, the nonprofit Southside Mission (SM) will have a meal delivery and dinner. Typically, up to 500 volunteers show up.

“I would think right now we’re probably at 2,100, so we’ll probably end up doing 2,500 to 2,800 meals going out the door that day on Thanksgiving,” said SM Executive Director Rev. Craig Williams.

Sophia’s Kitchen in Peoria is also getting in on the goodwill. Program Director Claire Crone said the holiday dinner is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 21, with nearly 200 volunteers serving.

“This year we will have served over 100,000 meals. That’s an increase of about 20,000 from the year before,” said Crone. “Donations are always needed. Bread is another thing that we constantly need.”

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