The Stocking Stuffer is a one-of-a-kind store in Peoria. It is where children 12 and under do their holiday shopping with a "Personal Shopper" helper. Each child registers at the door; parents and child are given numbered paint sticks to match up when the little shopper is finished and returned safely to the waiting parent. The Children ONLY Store gives children a great feeling of independence shopping without Mom or Dad. Children love to be able to select special gifts and have it be a surprise too! It takes place December 3-December 21 at the shopping malls.
The 2nd Annual Festival of Trees is on December 3 - December 5 at Expo Gardens. Beautifully decorated trees will be on display and available for purchase through a silent auction. Other activites include a Cookie Shop sponsored by Apple's Bakery, a live wreath shop sponsored by Hoerr Nursery, a family friendly Friday Night concert by The Corn Wolves (three memebers of JammSammich), a Saturday Night Pajama party with Santa featuring Julie K, a gift shop, and out and about gift certificate tree and much more.
Both fundraisers benefit the Crittenton Centers. Crittenton Centers has been serving Peoria and all of central Illinois since 1892. The agency has evolved into a multi-service not-for-profit (501c3) child welfare organization. It serve a diverse population of children, adolescents, young adults and parents. Crittenton is a service provider for several code Departments of the State of Illinois including the Illinois Department of Human Services, the Illinois Department of Children & Family Services and the Illinois State Board of Education.