Effective Date: July 5, 2026
The HOPE Chest Privacy Policy
The HOPE Chest (“we,” “our,” or “us”) is committed to protecting the privacy of our donors, volunteers, customers, program participants, website visitors, and community partners. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, protect, and share information when you visit our website, make a donation, contact us, participate in one of our programs, or otherwise interact with our organization.
By using our website or providing information to The HOPE Chest, you agree to the practices described in this Privacy Policy.
Information We Collect
Depending on how you interact with us, we may collect the following information:
Personal Information
This may include:
- Name
- Mailing address
- Email address
- Telephone number
- Donation history
- Volunteer information
- Employment application information
- Information you provide through forms or surveys
- Communications you send to us
Financial Information
When making an online donation or purchase, payment information is processed by trusted third-party payment processors. The HOPE Chest does not store complete credit card or banking information on our servers.
Website Information
When you visit our website, certain information may be collected automatically, including:
- IP address
- Browser type
- Device type
- Operating system
- Pages visited
- Time spent on pages
- Referral websites
- General geographic location
- Cookies and similar technologies
This information helps us improve our website and better serve our community.
How We Use Your Information
We may use your information to:
- Process donations
- Provide donation receipts
- Respond to inquiries
- Provide requested services
- Manage volunteer opportunities
- Process employment applications
- Improve our programs and services
- Improve website functionality
- Send newsletters or updates (only if you choose to receive them)
- Comply with legal obligations
- Prevent fraud or misuse of our services
Sharing Your Information
The HOPE Chest does not sell, rent, or trade personal information to third parties.
We may share information only when necessary with trusted service providers who assist us in operating our organization, including:
- Donation processing platforms
- Website hosting providers
- Email service providers
- Technology support vendors
- Accounting or auditing professionals
These providers are expected to safeguard your information and use it only for the services they provide on our behalf.
We may also disclose information if required by law or to protect the safety, rights, or property of The HOPE Chest or others.
Cookies
Our website may use cookies and similar technologies to:
- Improve website performance
- Remember user preferences
- Understand website traffic
- Measure website effectiveness
You may disable cookies through your browser settings, although some website features may not function properly.
Third-Party Services
Our website may contain links to third-party websites or use third-party services such as:
- Online donation platforms
- Social media platforms
- Google services
- Mapping services
- Embedded videos
These third parties maintain their own privacy policies. The HOPE Chest is not responsible for their privacy practices.
Data Security
We take reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction.
While we strive to use commercially reasonable security measures, no method of internet transmission or electronic storage is completely secure.
Email Communications
If you provide your email address, we may send information regarding:
- Donation acknowledgments
- Organization updates
- Volunteer opportunities
- EventsNewsletters
You may unsubscribe from marketing communications at any time by following the instructions included in our emails or by contacting us directly.
Children / Minors
Our website is not intended to knowingly collect personal information from children under the age of 13 without appropriate parental consent. If we become aware that such information has been collected unintentionally, we will take reasonable steps to delete it.
Your Privacy Choices
You may request to:
- Review personal information we maintain about you
- Correct inaccurate information
- Request deletion of information where appropriate
- Opt out of promotional communications
Certain information may be retained as required by law, accounting standards, donor recordkeeping requirements, or legitimate organizational purposes.
Retention of Information
We retain personal information only as long as necessary to:
- Fulfill the purpose for which it was collected
- Comply with legal obligations
- Maintain financial and donation records
- Resolve disputes
- Enforce organizational policies
Changes to This Privacy Policy
The HOPE Chest may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices, technology, or legal requirements.
The revised policy will be posted on this page with an updated Effective Date.
Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or how your information is handled, please contact:
Website: www.thehopechest.org
Email: info@thehopechest.org
Phone: (309) 620-8893
Mailing Address:
The HOPE Chest
1414 N 8th St
Pekin, Illinois 61554