Pekin Outreach Initiative

05/25/2026

Today, we remember and honor those who gave everything for our country. 🇺🇸
At Pekin Outreach Initiative, we’re especially mindful that some of the guests we serve are veterans.
This Memorial Day, we invite you to reflect not only with gratitude, but with action.
A warm meal, a small act of kindness, or a moment of dignity can mean everything.
Let’s care for those who once cared for us. ❤️

05/21/2026

WANTED: Good people who love their community ❤️

Qualifications include: caring about others, showing up when you can, and being the kind of person who believes small things can make a big difference.

Bonus skills (not required): serving food, making people smile, and being part of a really great team.

At Pekin Outreach Initiative, volunteering might look like helping with meals, packing supplies, or just being a friendly face. Sound like you? Come join us https://pekinoutreachinitiative.com/volunteer

05/12/2026

What can you make for 10–15 people?

A big pot of spaghetti? 🍝
Taco night? 🌮
Sloppy joes? 🍔
Breakfast for dinner? 🍳

Our Meal Train volunteers help us serve warm, homemade meals to those who need it most, and it’s one of the most meaningful ways to give back.

Grab a friend, pick a recipe, and sign up to cook. https://pekinoutreachinitiative.com/meal-program

05/09/2026

Happy Birthday to our incredible Vice President, Darla Koonce! 🎉

Darla’s heart for service, leadership, and compassion has helped shape POI into what it is today. From organizing outreach efforts to uplifting volunteers, she brings dedication and love into everything she does.

Join us in celebrating someone who truly lives out our mission every day. Drop a birthday wish for Darla below! ❤️

04/30/2026

Stay connected to what’s happening in our community 💛
From volunteer opportunities to real stories of impact, our emails keep you in the loop on how lives are being changed, and how you can be part of it.
Sign up to stay connected → https://pekinoutreachinitiative.com/join-our-email-list

04/22/2026

Rejoice. Pray. Give thanks.
These words hang on our wall, but they live out in what we do every day.
In every meal served, every hand extended, every moment someone feels seen… this is what it looks like.
If you’ve been looking for a way to make a difference, this is your invitation.
Join us → https://pekinoutreachinitiative.com/volunteer

04/14/2026

We’ve recently adjusted our Meal Train needs from 25–30 meals down to just 10, based on current attendance. Right now, we still have no volunteers signed up for the next two weeks.
If you’ve been thinking about helping, this is a great time to jump in. Your support truly makes a difference.

Sign up today to fill an open spot and serve our community. ❤️

The Pekin Outreach Center feeds homeless individuals 2 meals a day, 7 days a week. If you are providing food for dinner, we will need enough food for 10-15 guests. Please have your meal at POI Center by (2:30). Any type of meal is welcome!! We thank our amazing volunteers. 👏 🙏

04/05/2026

He is risen ✝️
Easter is a reminder of hope, renewal, and the power of love in action.
As we serve our community, we carry that message with us, showing up, giving back, and caring for those who need it most.
Wishing you a blessed Easter 💛

04/02/2026

We want to sincerely thank everyone who has reached out with kind messages, prayers, and support following the passing of Gloria Ranney. Your words have meant so much to our team and to all who were impacted by her life.

Gloria’s heart for serving others continues to inspire us, and we are committed to carrying that forward.

Pekin Outreach Initiative and the Snack Pack program will continue to operate fully, honoring Gloria’s legacy by continuing the work she cared so deeply about. We remain dedicated to serving the children and families in our community, just as she did.

Thank you again for your support, your encouragement, and for being part of this mission with us.

03/26/2026

At POI, we see this verse lived out every week. A volunteer packing snack bags. A donor giving quietly. A neighbor showing up for someone they may never meet.

When we carry each other’s burdens, we build a stronger community.
Thank you for being part of that mission!