Collinsville, Ill. (December 28, 2022) – In a heartwarming display of community support, Ameren Illinois concluded its annual 12 Days of Giving campaign by distributing a total of $120,000 to twelve non-profit organizations across its service territory. This initiative, driven by the Ameren Cares Program, aimed to bolster the efforts of these organizations during a crucial time of year when they work tirelessly to support local families.
Initially informed they would each receive a $1,000 contribution, the selected agencies were pleasantly surprised to be presented with a $10,000 donation instead. This unexpected surge in funding is designed to significantly enhance their capacity to deliver essential services within their respective communities.
“We were not expecting this at all,” expressed Cindy Morris, Executive Director of Peoria Public Schools Foundation. “This donation will help us in a monumental way as we serve the youth in Peoria. We can’t thank Ameren Illinois enough for this community support.” This sentiment was echoed across all twelve recipient organizations, highlighting the profound impact of the Ameren Cares program.
The Ameren Cares program serves as a vital link between Ameren Illinois and the communities it serves. Through strategic charitable giving and active employee volunteerism, the program is deeply embedded in community enrichment. The grant funds disbursed through the 12 Days of Giving initiative are specifically channeled to provide critical year-end support to programs addressing fundamental needs. These encompass crucial areas such as combating food insecurity, promoting mental and physical health, violence prevention initiatives, and ensuring equitable access to education and mentorship resources.
Brian Leonard, Senior Director of Government Relations at Ameren Illinois, emphasized the company’s commitment to the region, stating, “These 12 non-profits make a big impact on our local communities. At Ameren Illinois we don’t just work here, we live here too. By helping these non-profits, we are helping brighten the holidays for our community as they can further their mission.” This underscores the Ameren Cares program’s dedication to fostering thriving communities within its service area.
The twelve non-profit organizations benefiting from the $10,000 grants are diverse in their missions but united in their commitment to community welfare. These include: Survivor Resource Center in Danville, Well Experience in Urbana, Peoria Public Schools Foundation in Peoria, We Care in Morton, Violence Prevention Center in Belleville, Community Resource Lifeline in East St. Louis, God’s Shelter of Love in Decatur, Compass for Kids in Springfield, Western Illinois Regional Council in Macomb, New Directions Warming & Cooling Center in Jacksonville, The Survivor Empowerment Center in Carbondale, and The Amy Schulz Child Advocacy Center in Mount Vernon. Each of these organizations plays a pivotal role in strengthening the social fabric of Illinois.
About Ameren Illinois
Ameren Illinois is dedicated to powering the quality of life for 1.2 million electric and over 800,000 natural gas customers throughout central and southern Illinois. Spanning over 1,200 communities and 43,700 square miles, Ameren Illinois is committed to providing reliable energy and actively engaging in community support initiatives like the Ameren Cares program. For further information about Ameren Illinois and its community programs, please visit AmerenIllinois.com. Stay connected with Ameren Illinois through social media by following them on Twitter @AmerenIllinois and Facebook.
