In between posts about fantastic bands and amazing venues, you’ve seen posts about #LovePeoria, a peace rally, the Little Free Pantry, and other things that are good for the community.

Why?

Because what good is a platform like this if I’m not also using it to make a difference in our community beyond the music scene?

We have a couple of projects in the works right now, and many more on the horizon as Peoria Music Live is able to secure more financial support for our mission.

Community change through charitable contributions will never be the sole focus of Peoria Music Live. We are here to promote live music and get people off of their couches and out into the community.

However, because one of the amazing things about music is its ability to bring people together, it is a good thing to be able to cultivate some compassion and a little action in the process.

Some of our projects are music related, and some are about our community. One that we’ll introduce later this year involves my daughter, Gabriella, and her passion for supporting Ronald McDonald House. Other projects in the works include music programs for area students and for the students of PUP.

Last week though, I heard a presentation about The Children’s Home, and just some of the things they do for our community. When they mentioned that they have 250 children with Christmas Wish lists that need fulfilled, I knew that this was something we could do together.

I spent 16 years as a single mother, struggling with extreme poverty for many of them. Early on, Santa stopped leaving stockings for my kids. He always left each one a new pair of shoes instead. There were a few years where a wish list program kept those shoes from being the only thing under the tree.

Even if nobody else pitches in, am excited to be able to do that for some other families this year. However, many small acts of kindness and charity all pulled together can make a big impact… so I wanted to give the PML community an opportunity to make a difference in this way as well.

I’ve seen so many artists choose to be part of a good cause over the years… the first time I saw Nik Grafelman and Seth Coquit two years ago was at the Red Barn, raising money for a good cause. (See Video) And I can’t count the number of benefits I’ve been to recently with multiple artists. I LOVE that we love each other and our community so much.

Children’s Home Association of Illinois serves over 1700 children & families in the Peoria Area each month as they work towards their mission of “Giving children a childhood and future by protecting them, teaching them and healing them, and by building strong communities and loving families.”

The children on our lists are involved in CH’s Behavioral Health Services program and have siblings who are part of this program or another.

While the items on these lists are typical clothing and toys, CH says that many of the children on their lists have asked for personal hygiene items as well. They collect these items separately to distribute to those they serve.

Think about that for a moment. When asked what they would like for Christmas, there are children and teens who say things like soap, shampoo, a new toothbrush, or hairbrush. Basic toiletries should not be on anyone’s Christmas wish list. Feel free to consider donations of those items. I will deliver those too, if you’d like.

Here are the four children on our list. There are two girls and two boys. I’ve only identified them by their initials since this is being posted online. There is a $50 limit for each child, and I’ll post to let everyone know if/when we’ve hit that limit.

Items received beyond that will be donated to Children’s Home for another gift list.

T.J., White Male, Age 10
Shirt Size: Youth Medium
Would like: Fidget Toys, Lego Sets, Science Kits, Building Stuff

R.J., White Female, Age 13
Shirt Size: Medium/Large
Would like: Drawing Materials, Headphones, Pop Socket, Fidget Materials

A.P., Black Male, Age 7
Shirt Size: 7
Pants Size: 7
Shoe Size: 13.5
Would like: Trucks, Tractors, Black Panther Toys, Remote Control Car

Z.B., Black Female, Age 6
Shirt Size: 7
Pants Size: 7
Shoes Size 13.5
Other Items: Any Dolls, Barbies, Girl’s Karaoke Microphone, Girls Jewelry, Stuffed Animals

I created an Amazon Wish List that you can find at the link below to make it easier for some, but feel free to find items not on my list that you believe the children would like instead. Whether you choose your own, you use the PML CHRISTMAS WISH LIST TO BENEFIT CHILDREN'S HOME ON AMAZON, or you buy an item locally, they can be delivered or sent to me at the address below.

I will be delivering the new & unwrapped items
to The Children’s Home on December 16th.

Address for shipping:

Kindall Reuschel
212 Devron Cir
East Peoria, IL 61611

One last thing… Anyone who donates to the Little Free Pantry at Manual Academy or to the PML Christmas List to benefit Children’s Home before December 16th will be entered into a drawing for a $20 Gift Card to Kenny’s Westside Pub. (Thank you, Sean Kenny, for being on board!)

Drawing held December 16th!

Each item donated to the wish list will be an entry. And, if you are donating to the Little Free Pantry, just snap a photo there (with or without you in it) then make a post about the #PeoriaMusicLivePantry on Facebook to encourage others to donate and to be entered to win!

Check out this video below of Chicago Farmer, Jaik Willis, & Wes Duffy at a recent fundraiser at Kenny’s Westside Pub.