The HOPE Chest

"Helping Other People Excel"

About Us

The HOPE Chest of Pekin is more than just your run-of-the-mill thrift store; it is a faith-driven organization dedicated to making a difference in our community. Our mission centers around Helping Other People Excel by providing essential resources and support to those in need. Whether individuals are navigating the challenges of financial hardship, grappling with a significant life transition, or living on the edge of poverty, we are here to offer a helping hand. Through our services, we aim to meet the tangible needs of individuals and families, helping them regain stability and hope for a brighter future. Be sure to click the Programs and Services tab to learn more about what we offer for the community.

Our Story

The HOPE Chest, founded in 2012, is a non-profit organization and thrift store nestled in the heart of Pekin, IL. We specialize in offering a wide array of items in our shop including artwork, books, clothing, crafts, electronics, hardware, houseware, lawn decor, linens, media, purses, seasonal items, sporting goods, toys, used furniture, and vintage collectibles. With our diverse range of products, there's something for everyone at The HOPE Chest.

But our mission extends far beyond just providing affordable merchandise. At The HOPE Chest, we are dedicated to serving our community in a variety of ways. One of our key offerings is our HOPE 4 Success Back2School Backpack Program. We believe that every child deserves the tools they need to succeed in their education, regardless of their financial situation. Through this program, we distribute brand new backpacks filled with essential school supplies to students in need, ensuring they start the year off right.

Our Seeds of HOPE Program is geared to help individuals or families who are working their way out of a crisis, i.e. fire, flood, homelessness. We partner with multiple tri-county agencies and many local churches who refer clients to us. We provide clients with basic household necessities and clothing to help them get back on track FREE of charge.

The Learn-2-Earn Program is tailored to those who are looking for a little more for their household but can’t quite afford the nonessential extras. Participants can work in our thrift store or food pantry and earn credit at the minimum wage rate. This credit is used to purchase items which don’t qualify for the Seeds of HOPE program.

Recognizing the importance of addressing food insecurity, we operate the Hope Cupboard, our very own “client choice” Food Pantry. This vital resource provides individuals and families facing hunger with nourishing meals and pantry staples. We are committed to ensuring that no one in our community goes to bed hungry.

Also at The HOPE Chest, we recognize that financial hardships can often impact our furry friends as well. That's why we established Paws of Hope, a Pet Food Pantry. This initiative helps struggling pet owners keep their beloved companions fed, ensuring that no pet is left behind. We understand the deep bond between humans and animals, and we strive to support the well-being of both.

During the holiday seasons, The HOPE Chest is dedicated to spreading joy and bringing smiles to the faces of those in need with our Holiday Meals Program. We coordinate supplying the meat and the ‘extras’ to make their holiday meal tasty and nutritious. Additionally, we host a HOPE at Christmas Gift Program, where community members in need can select presents for their children, creating cherished memories and alleviating the stress of additional financial strain during this special time.

Every Wednesday, The HOPE Chest celebrates our Senior Citizens. They receive a 20% Senior Discount off their entire purchase. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, we salute and thank our Veterans with a 15% off Veteran Discount off their complete purchase. We so appreciate and recognize their service to us and our country.

Finally, our commitment to supporting the homeless population in our community is unwavering. We offer various forms of assistance, including food provisions, access to clothing and toiletries, connections to vital resources.

The HOPE Chest organization is not ‘just’ a thrift store where you can find great deals but it's also a beacon of hope and support within the community. We believe that every individual deserves the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their circumstances. Through our diverse range of programs and offerings, we aim to provide a helping hand and an open heart to all those who seek it. Join us in our mission to bring hope, compassion, and positive change to Pekin, IL, and beyond as together we Help Other People Excel.

Areas Served

Our Professional Associations

Pekin Chamber of Commerce

What We Offer

Our Specialties include:

Family Friendly Neighborhood Thrift Store
Furniture
Home of the $0.99 Clothing- All kids clothes
Housewares
Linens
Toys

Our Services include:

Back to School Back Pack Program
Pekin Outreach Initiative
Community Service Hours Help
Food Pantry (Hope Cupboard)
Learn 2 Earn
Pet Food Pantry (Paws of Hope)
Seeds of Hope
Holiday Meals
Homeless Support
Christmas Gift Giveaway
Non For Profit Organization
One Stop Thrift Shop
Special Events on Seasonal Changes
Home of the $0.99 Clothes- All kids clothes
We are a Family Friendly Neighborhood Thrift Store
Largest Used Furniture, Book, and Media Store

Our Products include:

Artwork
Books
Clothing
Crafts
Electronics
Hardware
Housewares
Lawn Decor
Linens
Media
Purses
Seasonal Items
Sporting Goods
Toys
Used Furniture
Vintage Collectibles

Testimonials

On 11/11/2025 Pamela M had this to say:
It's a great place to shop!! I love it!!

On 11/7/2025 Betty Mills had this to say:
Awesome service

On 9/23/2025 Stephanie Barker had this to say:
Very affordable and such a helpful and friendly staff.

On 9/18/2025 Cheri Utley had this to say:
Good deals...Good cause

On 9/18/2025 Lance Monceret had this to say:
Great little thriftstore with great service. Their prices are reasonable

Contact Us

The HOPE Chest
1414 N 8th St Pekin, IL 61554
Phone: (309) 620-9043
Email: hopechestofpekin@yahoo.com

Our mailing address is PO Box 1331, Pekin, IL 61555-1331

Our HOPE Cupboard Food Pantry and HOPE Services plus Offices are located next door at 1416 N 8th St. Donations of gently used items may be dropped off behind the HOPE Chest by entering the alley from Amanda St., South of the Store between the hours of 9am-5pm Mon-Sat. Please do NOT leave items when store is closed.

Where To Find Us

Payment Types Accepted

Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, Debit Cards

Our Hours

Holiday Hours May Vary. Please Call For Details.

Monday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Our Donation & Processing Center Hours | Monday through Saturday 9am to 4:30pm Purchased Items Must Be Picked Up by 4:30pm
Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Our Donation & Processing Center Hours | Monday through Saturday 9am to 4:30pm | Food Pantry Open 10am-1pm Purchased Items Must Be Picked Up by 4:30pm
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Our Donation & Processing Center Hours | Monday through Saturday 9am to 4:30pm Purchased Items Must Be Picked Up by 4:30pm
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Our Donation & Processing Center Hours | Monday through Saturday 9am to 4:30pm | Food Pantry Open 1pm to 3:45pm Purchased Items Must Be Picked Up by 4:30pm
Friday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Our Donation & Processing Center Hours | Monday through Saturday 9am to 4:30pm Purchased Items Must Be Picked Up by 4:30pm
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Our Donation & Processing Center Hours | Monday through Saturday 9am to 4:30pm Purchased Items Must Be Picked Up by 4:30pm

News

🦃 Thanksgiving Meal Distribution 🦃
Join us Monday, Nov. 24th at 10:00 AM for a special Thanksgiving meal giveaway!
✅ Includes sides + a voucher for meat
✅ One meal per household
✅ Must bring valid ID
While supplies last—don’t miss out!
Powered by Bridgeway Community Church, The Hope Chest, The Hope Cupboard, and local partners.

🧡 The Need Is Real – Help Us Restock the Pantry 🧡
Recently, our food pantry saw an overwhelming turnout—100 households came through, and nearly half were first-time visitors. The line was long, and our shelves were hit hard. We’re still feeling the impact, and the need in our community continues to grow.
If your school, business, or organization is planning a food drive, now is the time. We’re reaching out to ask for donations of non-perishable food items to help us replenish and continue serving those who need it most.
We’re not sure if this is the new norm, but one thing is clear: our community needs us, and we need you. Every donation makes a difference.
🙏 Thank you for your continued support.

🎃 The HOPE Chest invites you to our 2nd Annual Trunk or Treat on Saturday, October 25th, from 4-6 PM! Pull into our parking lot for an evening of costumed fun, decorated car trunks, and loads of candy. Bring the whole family for a safe and spook-tacular time! 👻 Enjoy hotdogs, chips, iced coffees and sodas, available for purchase. Plus, take advantage of free photo ops and much more! 📍 The HOPE Chest Parking Lot 🕒 4-6 PM See you there, in your best Halloween costumes!

🥳 Huge thanks for the glowing article about our impact! From community service & estate services and beyond—thanks for highlighting our mission and the good we do! 🙌🛒

Mark your calendars for July 28th and join us for our big Back2School Back Pack Event from 9am-1pm at The HOPE Chest! We're excited to distribute 550 backpacks filled with school supplies. Plus, talented barbers and hair stylists will be on-site to offer fresh haircuts for the new school year. It's a day packed with fun, community spirit, and preparation for success!

Info

Our Programs
C.O Community Service App
Volunteer Application
Volunteer Guidelines
Volunteer Waiver
Items We Do Not Accept
Board Member List
Employment Application
'24 Totals & '25 Programs
Make a Donation

FAQ

What is The Hope Chest?

The HOPE Chest of Pekin is not 'just a thrift store'. We are a faith-based organization that exists to Help Other People Excel. In addition to our Thrift Store, we supply tangible needs to those in crisis, living in/or bordering poverty, or experiencing a life changing event that qualify for assistance. We also operate a Food Pantry twice a week supplying food for people and pets, plus several other community programs and events.

What kinds of items do you accept as donations?

We accept gently used items such as furniture, working electronics, clothing, accessories, handbags, jewelry, shoes, art, books, houseware items, and gardening items and more. Please refer to our list of items that we do NOT accept. Donations may be dropped off behind the Store at our Donation Drop-off area during OPEN hours: Monday thru Saturday between 9am-4:30pm. Please DO NOT LEAVE Donations during closed hours!!!!

Are there items that you do not accept?

Yes, for safety, space, and resale quality reasons, we are unable to accept certain items. Please review the list below before bringing in your donations.

We do not accept:

Tube-style TVs (CRT), except certain vintage console models approved by management

CRT computer monitors

Full-sized pianos (miniature versions are okay if in good condition)

Full-sized organs (mid-century mini organs are okay)

Waterbeds or waterbed frames

Long church pews (short pews are okay)

Non-working electronics or appliances

Entertainment centers made for tube-style TVs

Single headboards, footboards, or incomplete bed sets

Used indoor or outdoor lighting or light fixtures (unless new in box or exceptionally nice)

Outdated exercise equipment

Mounted dresser mirrors without a matching dresser

Drop-side cribs

Expired car seats (more than 5 years from date of manufacture)

Unsturdy pressed wood furniture

Vintage wooden high chairs

Full-sized pool tables or ping pong tables (bumper pool or mini tables are acceptable)

Over-the-range microwaves

Dishwashers

Large metal desks or multi-piece desks

Sewing cabinets without sewing machines

Sleep Number beds

Adjustable beds larger than twin size

Retail greeting card displays

Single dining tables without at least two matching, functional chairs

Used shower doors

Open or used paint cans or any combustible materials

Artificial Christmas trees without stands

Plastic patio chairs

If you’re unsure whether an item can be accepted, please contact us before dropping it off. We appreciate your understanding and support!

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