State Treasurer Michael Frerichs Returns $27,000 To The Salvation Army

Check I-CASH website for Missing Money This Holiday Season

An early holiday gift to The Salvation Army will help people in need. Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs on Wednesday returned $27,100 in I-CASH missing money to The Salvation Army, the charitable organization widely known for its iconic Red Kettle Christmas fundraising campaign. The Salvation Army is the largest non-governmental provider of social services in the world.

“We make an extra effort at this time of year to return money to nonprofits and groups that helps others in need,” said Frerichs, who returned the money at The Salvation Army Central Territory headquarters in Hoffman Estates. “I am grateful we found this money for an organization that provides people life-saving services throughout the year. The Salvation Army makes the holiday season brighter for people who might be going through a challenging time.”

According to The Salvation Army Central Territorial Commander, Commissioner Evie Diaz, “We’re very thankful to receive this check, especially before Christmas. Millions of families are struggling this year, and they need help with so many basic human needs. From housing and food to utility assistance, youth programs and more—this money will be put to good use. We pray that our work brings love, hope and joy to those we serve.”

Illinois’ unclaimed property program, also known as I-CASH, is one of the state’s oldest consumer protection initiatives. In Illinois, the state treasurer is tasked with safeguarding unclaimed property, such as the contents of overlooked safe deposit boxes, unpaid life insurance benefits, forgotten bank accounts and unused rebate cards. Illinois holds more than $5 billion in unclaimed property.

More than $2 billion has been returned since Frerichs took office, the most in state history. To see if you have unclaimed property, check the online database at http://www.illinoistreasurer.gov/ICASH . You also can check the names of friends and relatives and let them know the State Treasurer’s Office has money waiting for them to claim by clicking the “share” button.

The state treasurer is legally required to return unclaimed property to its owners or heirs, no matter how long it takes.