By Ryne Turke
Looking to make our community a better place? Consider donating to these five local charity organizations over the holiday season.
The Salvation Army
Founded: 1887
1124 Wall St., Jacksonville
Rebuilding lives and creating lasting changes, Majors Chris and April Clarke have established an incredible list of programs meeting the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the community.
Fighting hunger has been a primary goal of The Salvation Army. The free daily and holiday food programs serve hundreds each day, and last year, more than 800,000 pounds of food was passed out in our area.
Providing 1,284 nights of shelter in 2023, The Salvation Army continues to fight homelessness in our community through their overnight motels.
The Salvation Army’s back to work program is also putting those in need in the right position to secure employment. In an effort to ease financial hardships, The Salvation Army offers rent, mortgage, utility and daily life needs to those looking for a little extra help.
Fifteen percent of Morgan County residents were served at The Salvation Army last year, with 52% of those individuals being seniors.
How to donate: Monetary donations are greatly appreciated and will be put toward food and financial aid programs. Mail donations to P.O. Box 220, Jacksonville, IL 62650 — or give at Red Kettle donations.
Midwest Youth Services
Founded: 1978
2001 W. Lafayette Ave., Jacksonville
Founded on the mission of diverting youth from child welfare and juvenile justice systems, Midwest Youth Services has been strengthening and restoring families in the community for more than 40 years.
Offering counseling, mentoring and support services, Midwest Youth Services provides second chances for youths who’d otherwise enter the juvenile justice system prematurely or unnecessarily.
The agency serves more than 500 youths annually and continues to grow each year.
Your donations would play a part in funding the new building expansion, which will feature room for additional shelter beds, networking areas and necessary office needs.
How to donate: Drop off check/cash at 2001 W. Lafayette Ave. in Jacksonville or Venmo @MidwestYouthServices.
PAWS
Founded: 2011
400 W. Walnut St., Jacksonville
The no kill shelter/rescue center has done so much for animals in our community. PAWS has saved over 9,000 animals and found homes for thousands of pets to families in the area.
PAWS currently provides care to 84 animals, and thanks to the dedicated support from volunteers, supplies medication, cleaning, grooming, walking and basic needs for every fur baby that enters the facility.
Dog and cat food donations are appreciated year round, but during the cold
winter season, monetary donations are most needed to pay electric bills and keep the animals warm.
How to donate: Click the donate button on the PAWS Facebook page or drop off donations at the rescue Friday-Saturday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
The Crisis Center
Founded: 1984
A home to individuals and families suffering from domestic violence issues, the Crisis Center has been a staple of hope in our community for the last 40 years.
A donation to the Crisis Center will accommodate their 19 beds available for men, women and children fleeing their homes looking for a safe shelter. You’ll also be supporting their outreach and education programs, free counseling services and additional efforts to raise awareness on fighting domestic violence in our community.
Serving around 400 individuals and families a year, the Crisis Center encourages the community to “Adopt a Family” for Christmas, in an effort to give them stockings and a happy holiday.
How to donate: Go to their Facebook page and make a purchase from the Amazon Wish List.
Jacksonville Area Community Food Center
Founded: 1981
311 E. Morgan St., Jacksonville
Serving over 100 Morgan County families a day, the Jacksonville Food Center continues to be a leader in providing care for local residents.
One hundred percent of the products handed out in care boxes and through the growing Christmas Distribution initiative are purchased locally. Care boxes are available for pickup Monday-Friday, 9-11:30 a.m.
The Food Center is always in need of basic essentials (canned goods, tuna, vegetables, cereal, peanut butter, crackers and more) and could use monetary donations to buy products in bulk.
How to donate: Drop off donations at 311 E. Morgan St. or donate via PayPal jacfc1@gmail.com.
