COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho — The Kroc Center finished strong on New Year’s Eve, exceeding its original fundraising goal.
In early December, the Kroc Center was worried it might not be able to meet its Red Kettle fundraising goal of $220,000.
Thanks to some big donations, the center raised $280,000 and secured the funds needed to keep its community programs running.
“It only happened because the community stepped up,” said Major Don Gilger, Executive Director of the Kroc Center.
The donations will go directly toward helping multiple families in the community.
“Day camp scholarships. We find people who can’t afford the weekly fee. We make it possible through donations from Christmas to be able to provide lower cost or free scholarships to people,” said Major Gilger.
He said the Kroc Center gave out hundreds of day camp scholarships last year.
Some of the funds will also go toward the Kroc Center’s Third Grade Swim program, which works with local schools throughout the year to provide kids with swimming and water safety lessons.
“Every third grader in Kootenai County learns how to swim at the Kroc Center. So, we have five-day swim classes and they’re not individual instructors, but every child is learning about water safety,” said Major Gilger.
He said he is grateful to all of the volunteers and dozens of organizations that made this year’s Red Kettle Drive a success.
Northwest Specialty Hospital was able to raise over $17,000 and helped ring the kettle bells for 40 hours around North Idaho.
“People trust us, and have confidence that we’ll do what we say. If everyone will help just a little bit, it makes a huge difference,” said Major Gilger.
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