CAMDEN, N.J. (KYW Newsradio) — The season of giving continues, as is the tradition at the Salvation Army Kroc Center in Camden, where the need for toys and meal programs is on the rise.
The Kroc Center has served the greater Camden community for nearly 10 years. Volunteers and donations are needed year-round, but the need is especially felt during the holiday season.
This past Thanksgiving, the Kroc Center served well over 1,500 families that came though their facility for free turkeys, until resources ran out. The effort continues as they provide gifts for kids with their Christmas Spectacular, and raise money with their Red Kettle program.
“A volunteer would make about $80 an hour and that would really be super helpful towards the Red Kettle effort,” said Maj. Richard Sanchez. “Our goal is $200,000 for Camden Kroc.”
His wife, Maj. Lolita Sanchez says this time of year is special, as they have the privilege of serving those in dire need. Sometimes, she says, the requests are very simple, as many have fallen on hard times.
“It's not just some things that we're helping to give away. We're really in people’s lives, and we're trying to walk alongside them during some of their darkest times,” she said. One particular story, she adds, weighs on her mind.
“A woman came to me and told me that she has cancer and it's terminal,” she recalled. “This was in October, and she wanted to make sure that her family was set for Christmas.”
This year’s Christmas Spectacular allows children to shop for two gifts apiece. Over 1,000 families will be served.