(This is the second in a series of blog posts about the community service projects that REALTORS® in Illinois participate in during November and December.)

REALTOR® Tricia Tialdo, of Strano & Associates in Belleville, helped the Swansea chapter of the Salvation Army in December by ringing a bell at the local Schnucks grocery store.

“Ringing the Salvation Army bells is a way to give help, hope and comfort to those in need during the holidays and beyond,” said Tialdo, who is also a member of the Rotary Club of Swansea, which volunteered for the project. “It’s also REALTORS® working with heart!”

Tialdo is also a member of the Southwest Illinois Board of REALTORS®.

‘PAAR Cares’ supports local food pantries

In November, PAAR Cares, the nonprofit charity of the Peoria Area Association of REALTORS®, donated $29,000 in Kroger gift cards to 32 local food pantries. Members of the PAAR Cares Board of Directors delivered the gift cards to the organizations.

Since the year 2000, $496,335 has been raised by PAAR Cares and donated to pantries in Fulton, McDonough, Peoria, Tazewell and Woodford counties. The mission of PAAR Cares is to unite members of the REALTOR® community by strengthening Central Illinois charities that provide crisis relief.

Funds are raised throughout the year to benefit the PAAR Cares Turkey Drive. A Reverse Raffle to benefit PAAR Cares is held at PAAR’s annual holiday party. PAAR Cares also hosts Trivia Nights and other events throughout the year. This year, more than 200 members played a role in the fundraising.

Tell us more

You can still submit information about the holiday service project that your team, brokerage or local association participated in during November or December. Use this online form.

(To see a larger version of any of the following photos, click on any image with your mouse.)