5 Critical Communication Points following the Tornado

Dear Team HOPE:
We made it through a very challenging week and together we made a HUGE Impact and difference in our county and community. As we move into the next week, I wanted to share FIVE Critical Communication Points with you. Please share this on your page.

#1: We have filled four - 53 Foot semi trailers - ready to go to relief aid in Washington once we get the green light. All of the trailers are filled. We are NO LONGER collecting for Washington at this time until further notice. There may be some long term donations to collect in the future. I will keep you posted.

#2: We are still a distribution center for those affected by the tornado in Pekin, East Peoria and Washington. We have served many families this past week, and our plan is to continue to offer HOPE. Any family directly affected by the storm can come to The HOPE Chest during our operation daily, M-S from 9 to 6. You do not need a voucher, but you will need an ID that shows your address. We can help you with food, water, clean up items, tarps, clothes, coats, etc....These items will be provided to you at no cost. We are extremely committed to helping out Pekin and East Peoria families but will help any family who lost their home or apartment or have had damage done due to the recent tornado.

#3: We are still collecting donations for the Pekin area. Donations needed are as follows:
* Tarps
* Clean up items and garbage bags
* Non - perishable food items
* Diapers and baby food
* Pet supplies
* Clothes and shoes, Winter Coats, Hats and Gloves
* Beds and furniture and appliances
* New or gently used toys for Christmas gifts
* Artificial Christmas trees
These donations are given to The HOPE Chest for them to distribute or use for their purpose as a non for profit organization as they see fit. Please keep in mind that The HOPE Chest helps those in need. These donations will be used to help those affected by the tornado, as well as those affected by unemployment, homelessness, lower level income, and single parent families. Our SEEDS of HOPE program has grown by leaps and bounds. This program provides resources to many families at no charge to them.

#4: As of Monday, November 25th, due to our warehouse space and needs, we are no longer collecting garage sale items, knick knacs, TV's and general household items. We have hundreds of boxes of these items we need to sort through. This will be in affect through the end of the year. The donations we will be accepting are listed under #3 above. Please understand our current situation when considering a donation.

Our donation drop off schedule is as follows:
Monday through Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 to 4:00 p.m.

PLEASE DO NOT DROP OFF AFTER HOURS!!!! Thank you for your cooperation in these matters. It will help us with logistics and flow, as we do our best to handle the current situation.

#5: Our box truck that we use six days a week, is no longer in use. We learned on Thursday, that the motor/engine is shot. We are in need of funds immediately, so we can purchase a used box truck. This truck is vital to our programs. We use it to pick up donations, food, deliveries, and our free bread program. If every FB person donated $5 to our new Box Truck fund, by the end of this week we would have enough to purchase a truck clear and free. Would you consider helping us with a $5 donation?? You can give at the store or go to www.thehopechestil.org and donate on line.

Thank you so much for being a part of TEAM HOPE. Together we can continue to make a HUGE Difference.

Sincerely,

Dave Craig
Executive Director
620-9043 -office
267-2506 - cell
davebcraig@gmail.com

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