Our Story

What is Love Peoria Bagels?

It started because I couldn't find a decent bagel. Baking as a hobby is a passion. For me, sharing bagels is a tangible certificate of appreciation for those who make Peoria better with their time, talents, or resources. The name was inspired by a 2018 talk hosted by the Dream Center featuring Bob Goff. At the event conclusion, a commemorative key chain was given that reads “Love Peoria".

To this day, it serves as a reminder that loving our community is a pursuit we can all share. Love Peoria Bagels is my expression of gratitude for people in our community who care, take action, and spread positivity. During the thick of Covid in 2020, I would drop off bagels on the porch of people to let them know I was thinking about them and they were doing incredible work in our community. The idea grew from there. People started requesting them more often, so here we are.

How Do You Get Some?
To get bagels, I simply ask that recipients make a donation of any amount to a local charity of their choosing. Go to the homepage and click on Get Bagels. Send me an email answering the prompt questions and it’s that easy. Thanks for helping me spread the love in our community!

Sincerely,
Mike Van Cleve