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The HOPE Chest

"Helping Other People Excel"

About Us

The HOPE Chest of Pekin is not just a thrift store, we are a faith-based organization that exists to Help Other People Excel. We supply tangible needs to support those in crisis, living in/or bordering poverty, or experiencing a life changing event. 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

Central Illinois | Tazewell County, IL | Peoria County, IL | Fulton County, IL | Logan County, IL | Mason County, IL | Pekin, IL | Peoria, IL | Springfield, IL | Woodford County, IL

Our Professional Associations

What We Offer

Our Specialties include:

Our Services include:

Our Products include:

Testimonials

On 3/4/2025 Karen Sizemore had this to say:
Good deals, easy to maneuver throughout the store, nice customer service from cashier

On 12/3/2024 Shelley C. had this to say:
I like this place because they allow me to volunteer in the pantry with great others and seeing all different individuals who need help!!

On 7/27/2024 Julia DeSutter had this to say:
Wasn't expecting the store to be so organized and easy to shop! Was amazed to find such affordable prices too! Will definitely come here again. They also get my donations going forward.

On 7/23/2024 Mckenzie Welbourne had this to say:
Hope chest is my favorite place, along with the great prices hope chest offers so much more from doing a pantry that also includes pet food & helping out others and also giving back so much to the community!

On 4/8/2024 Chris Prather had this to say:
Payin it forward...makes the world go round! Thank you Hope Chest, 😁

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

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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 4:45pm 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 4:45pm | 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 4:45pm 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 4:45pm | 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 4:45pm 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 4:45pm Purchased Items Must Be Picked Up by 4:30pm

News

On 5/15/2025 this was posted:
Hey Pekin friends! 🎉 If you're on the hunt for stylish yet affordable used clothing, look no further. The HOPE Chest is your go-to thrift store, and we're proud to be the home of the $0.99 kids clothes - perfect for Back to School shopping or anytime you want to refresh your wardrobe without breaking the bank. Plus, when you shop with us, you're supporting our local community services! 🙌 Swing by today to see what treasures await.👉 Got questions? Drop them in the comments! #TheHOPEChest #Pekin #ThriftStore #UsedClothing #CommunityService #ResaleShop Love what we do? We’d love to hear from you! Leave us a review

Share your experience with The HOPE Chest by leaving us a review! 🌟✨ Your feedback is invaluable in helping us improve and continue to serve our community with heart and dedication. Simply click our digital review link and let us know how we're doing. Together, we can make a difference—one review at a time! 🙌📝

Gear up for summer adventures with outdoor gear, beachwear, and vacation essentials from The Hope Chest. Find thrifty travel items and beach accessories that make every trip memorable. Start your summer right with savings at The Hope Chest!

Every week, The HOPE Chest provides a double opportunity to access essential food supplies, hosting pantries on Tuesdays from 10 AM to 1 PM and Thursdays from 1 PM to 3:45 PM. 🍎🥫 On the first Tuesday pantry of each month, we dedicate the initial hour exclusively to our cherished seniors. 👵🕒 Embrace community care and ensure your needs are met—come support, share, and uplift each other at The HOPE Chest!

Don't let rainy days dampen your spirits! Visit The Hope Chest for rainy day essentials, cozy reading nooks, and indoor activities for the whole family. Stay dry and stylish with our affordable finds!

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