Salvation Army Kroc Center gives way more than 400 holiday baskets for those in need

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The Salvation Army Kroc Center is kicking off the holiday season with a series of holiday programs to help families in the community. 

400 families who pre-registered with the center will pick up Thanksgiving baskets on Monday, filled with food for the big day, as well as a gift card to Martin’s Supermarket to purchase a turkey or ham. 

This is just one of many initiatives the Kroc Center works on during the holiday season.

Soon, you’ll start seeing the famous red kettles around your local grocery stores. Money placed into these kettles stays in St. Joseph county and goes towards funding programs here at the Kroc Center. 

600 families also pre-registered for the center’s Christmas program, where they will receive another meal for the Christmas holiday, as well as toys and clothes for children.  

Likewise, the KROC Center’s ‘Angel Tree’ initiative hopes to help more than 1,500 children this season.  

Tags are placed on a Christmas tree in the Kroc center with a child’s name and age, and neighbors are encouraged to come and pick one up and purchase two to three toys for that child to open on Christmas. 

Volunteers are needed to make these programs a reality. People can help with anything from ringing the red bells for the Salvation Army, handing out the baskets and clothes at the center and more. 

For more information about the Kroc Center, their holiday programs and how you can get involved and volunteer, you can head to mykroc.org.