Ottawa Shelter
1120 Canal St.
Ottawa, IL 61350
(815) 433-1292
Peru Shelter
1320 Menards Dr.
Peru, IL 61354
(815) 224-3047

Donate

Illinois Valley PADS is a 501 (c) 3 tax-exempt charity. Your financial donations will qualify for tax deductions on your tax returns. You will receive a tax receipt for each donation.

Revenues:
22% from IDHS Grant
45% from Lily PADS Resale stores
33% from Community Donors

People holding bags of supplies in a kitchen.
Hands holding 'donate' letters

Make a One-Time, Recurring, Donation, General, and Expenses.

Volunteer

IV PADS heavily relies on excellent volunteers to assist us in our mission to provide for the homeless.  There are numerous volunteer opportunities at our four locations, Ottawa PADS Shelter, Peru PADS Shelter, Lily Pads Resale Boutique, and Lily PADS Too Resale Boutique. Get started as a volunteer by completing the digital volunteer form. A staff member will be in contact with you shortly.

We love our volunteers graphic with heart.
Group of older women gathering at a table
People cooking and organizing kitchen items together.
Our volunteers use their time and talents to assist with a number of duties, some of which include:
  • Providing a monthly dinner, serving dinner, and cleaning dishes
  • Cleaning the shelter kitchen & pantry
  • Bible study leader
  • Helping clients with resumes and job interview skills
  • Preparing coffee and breakfast
  • Assisting with maintenance of buildings and equipment
  • Painting, trimming, and landscaping
  • Hosting a fundraising event or supply donation drive
  • And MUCH MORE
Have questions or concerns? Just not sure how you could help? Please contact us to discuss how your time and talents can bring value to our organization.

IV PADS Volunteer Application Form

I want to volunteer at this location (check all that may apply or choose "No preference"):

Fill-up Form

Are you 18 years or older?
*Those under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
The best way to contact you:
The best time to contact you:
Please share with us any known areas or times that you are wanting to serve. (Shelters are currently open 24 hours per day. Lily Pads is open 9am-5pm).
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
– Gandhi

Our Needs

IV PADS serves up to 121 individuals at a time.  To provide for our clients as well as maintain our facilities used by so many, we frequently need community donations.
Click here for a printable version of our complete needs list. We appreciate your consideration in supporting us in this way. Monetary donations are also greatly appreciated. You may donate online here. Donations may be dropped off at both shelter locations or at Lily Pads Resale Boutique.
Community food drive donations and volunteers gathering.

Our Needs

  • Bottled water
  • Sack lunch snack items
  • Drink mixes
  • Paper products
  • Cleaning products
  • Gas cards
Donation items such as food, personal care and paper products can be dropped off at Ottawa or Peru PADS shelters. Lily Pads & Lily Pads Too Resale Boutiques donations can be brought to either donation center Monday - Saturday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm.
Contact information can be found at the bottom of the page. Please call us for any additional questions regarding donations.
Thank you for your support. Every donation is appreciated!

Shop our Amazon Wish List and deliver directly to our shelters here:

Amazon logo in yellow circle

Planned Giving

What kind of legacy do you want to build?
If you believe in the IV PADS mission to provide shelter, food, and services to those in need and you share our values of human dignity, compassion, and empowerment toward self-sufficiency, then we ask that you consider a planned financial gift to our organization.
A planned financial gift to IV PADS is an opportunity to multiply yourself and your values into the lives of struggling members in this community.
Man playing banjo for three children seated

Some of the options for planned giving include:

  • Wills
  • Bequests
  • Life Insurance
  • Retirement Plans
  • Real Estate
  • Payroll Deduction
  • Employer Gift Match
  • Donor Advised Funds
With any planned gift option you are considering, please contact your financial advisor or your attorney to get professional advice.

For more information please download our brochure on planned giving or set up an appointment to discuss building your legacy by contacting Carol Alcorn, Executive Director, at [email protected]. Together we can break the cycle of homelessness.

Find Shelter

Ottawa Shelter

Location
1120 Canal St.
Ottawa, IL 61350
About
Ottawa PADS is a 55-bed homeless shelter that provides shelter, meals, and other services to those in need. Operates from August 1 to May 31 each year.

Peru Shelter

Location
1320 Menards Dr.
Peru, IL 61354
About
Peru PADS is a 74-bed homeless shelter that provides shelter, meals, and other services to those in need. Operates from August 1 to May 31 each year.

Find Stores

Peru Store

Location

4471 Progress Blvd., Peru, IL

Hours of Operation

Retail shopping
Mon-Sat: 9AM-5PM

Donations Center
Mon-Sat: 9AM-4PM

Ottawa Store

Location

411 E Stevenson Road, Ottawa, IL 61350

Hours of Operation

Retail shopping
Mon-Sat: 9AM-5PM

Donations Center
Mon-Sat: 9AM-4PM

FAQs

Find answers to your questions about hours, requirements, rules, and volunteering opportunities.
Still have questions?
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