PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) -- Peoria and Pekin Salvation Army kicked off their Christmas time campaign Monday night at Northwoods Mall.

The 38th annual Tree of Lights Campaign raises money each year, which makes up a quarter of their budget. This money goes toward the men's shelter, food pantries and families in need.

A crowd of about 40 people gathered around and heard remarks from WMBD's Chief Meteorologist Chris Yates, along with Salvation Army officials.

After speeches, the attendees counted down from ten and then the two trees on the stage by JCPenney were lit to start the campaign.

Stan Cohen, Christmas chair for the Peoria campaign this year, said the greater purpose of this yearly charity is to benefit the community in the Greater Peoria Area.

"While it's things that we give today du

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