Founded in 2012, The HOPE Chest is a nonprofit organization and thrift store located in the heart of Pekin, Illinois. Our store offers a wide variety of affordable items, including clothing, furniture, books, electronics, home goods, seasonal décor, and unique vintage finds—making it a place where everyone can discover something special.

While our thrift store provides great value to the community, our purpose goes far beyond retail. At The HOPE Chest, we are committed to meeting the needs of individuals and families through a variety of impactful programs.

Our HOPE 4 Success Back2School Backpack Program ensures that children in need begin the school year prepared and confident by providing brand-new backpacks filled with essential supplies. We believe every student deserves the opportunity to succeed, regardless of financial circumstances.

Through our Seeds of HOPE Program, we assist individuals and families recovering from difficult situations such as fires, floods, or homelessness. Working alongside local churches and partner agencies, we provide basic household items and clothing at no cost to help people rebuild and move forward.

The Learn-2-Earn Program is designed for those who need a little extra support but do not qualify for crisis assistance. Participants volunteer their time in our thrift store or food pantry and earn store credit, allowing them to purchase additional items their households may need.

To help combat food insecurity, we operate the HOPE Cupboard, a client-choice food pantry that allows families to select the groceries that best meet their needs. Our goal is simple: no one in our community should go hungry.

We also recognize that pets are part of the family. Through Paws of HOPE, our pet food pantry, we help ensure that families facing financial hardship can continue to care for their animals and keep them well-fed.

During the holiday season, we work to bring joy and relief to families in need. Our Holiday Meals Program provides the essentials for a complete and meaningful holiday dinner, while our HOPE at Christmas Gift Program allows parents to select gifts for their children, helping create lasting memories during a time that can otherwise be financially stressful.

We are proud to honor those who have given so much to our community and country. Every Wednesday, seniors receive a 20% discount on their purchases, and on Tuesdays and Thursdays, veterans receive a 15% discount as a small token of our appreciation.

Our commitment also extends to individuals experiencing homelessness. We provide support through access to food, clothing, hygiene items, and connections to essential local resources.

The HOPE Chest is more than just a thrift store—it is a place of compassion, support, and opportunity. We are dedicated to helping individuals overcome challenges and build brighter futures. Through every program and service we offer, we strive to live out our mission: Helping Other People Excel.

Meet our Team

Board of Directors

Name	Title
Chris Boerma	President
Sue Kerr	Vice President
AJ Schroff	Secretary
Addison Blair	Interim Treasurer