Peru donates $2,000 to Blue and Red Christmas for Kids

The city of Peru donated $2,000 on Monday to the Blue and Red Christmas for Kids, a local charity that provides personalized gifts to children in need.

Mayor Ken Kolowski said Blue and Red is an amazing organization and it’s a joy to watch its impact.

“I wish I was able to go with them and see the look on the kids' faces,” he said.

The program was established in 2013 by Peru’s police and fire departments.

Peru’s Health and Wellness Committee raised $12,219 during its fifth annual charity golf outing to support Blue and Red Christmas for Kids.

This year, the program has been able to assist 50 families and 120 children by providing personalized gifts for each child and family; including clothing and toys.

The department receives the names of children and families through the schools and the Head Start program.

Blue and Red has spent about $25,000 this year, and in addition to that, it has used many of the donated items (toys and clothing) from the community.

Anyone interested in donating to the program can write a check out to the Blue and Red Christmas for Kids or the Peru Police Department. The program accepts monetary donations, toys and clothes. Donations can be dropped off at the police department.

Blue and Red will be delivering gifts Friday, Dec. 20.

The city also donated $500 to the Illinois Valley Food Pantry and $500 to Illinois Valley Public Action to Deliver Shelter.