The Salvation Army Kroc Center in Camden
The 120,000 square-foot Salvation Army Kroc Center redefines what a community center is all about. This unprecedented place of gathering and enrichment houses an array of education, sports, faith, arts and supportive programs never before assembled under one roof in Camden, open and accessible to all. The programs, as well as the building itself, have been designed to stimulate the mind, body and spirit, to provide hope, and to transform the life of each and every member of the community.
Development of The Salvation Army Kroc Center was made possible by a $59 million combined capital and endowment grant from a bequest to The Salvation Army by the late Mrs. Joan Kroc, widow of McDonald’s founder Ray Kroc. Working with the NJ Department of Environmental Protection and Camden Redevelopment Agency, the former “Harrison Avenue Landfill” (brownfield) was converted into a wonderful asset right in the residential neighborhood of Cramer Hill in Camden. As a condition to the significant Kroc grant, the community also raised $9 million locally through the generous support of hundreds of donors.
Joan Kroc's gift has already made a big impact in Camden.
"We can help bring our city together by declaring our love to all of its children and showing them the faith we have in their future."—Joan Kroc, 1998
The Kroc Centers started with one woman's dream:
Meet Joan Kroc, Philanthropist & Kroc Center Benefactor
Joan Kroc’s Story
Joan Kroc, wife of McDonald’s founder Ray Kroc, said that she took a tour of San Diego and it was then that she recognized a community that was in desperate need of a safe gathering place, a place with facilities and trained professionals to nurture children’s social skills, arts appreciation and athletic potential. She described The Kroc Center as being a beacon of light and hope in the community.
Mrs. Kroc entrusted The Salvation Army with $90 million to build the first Kroc Center in the Rolando neighborhood of San Diego. Sadly, she passed away a little more than a year after it opened. She was so pleased with what was accomplished here that she left $1.5 billion to The Salvation Army to build centers like this across the country. Today, there are 26 Kroc Centers nationwide.
The Salvation Army Mission
The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church.
Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination. LEARN MORE.
1865 Harrison Avuene
Camden, NJ 08105
PHONE (856)379-6900
www.camdenkroccenter.org
Copyright 2016 The Salvation Army
THE SALVATION ARMY
RAY & JOAN KROC CORPS COMMUNITY CENTER
Contact Us
To donate clothing, furniture, household items or a non-antique car, please call 1-800-SA-TRUCK (1-800-728-7825) or visit satruck.org to schedule a pick up or drop off
The Salvation Army NJ Division
The Salvation Army Eastern Territorial Headquarters
The Salvation Army National Headquarters
The Salvation Army International Headquarters