Your Community Needs You to Put on Your Cape!
$105,000 is needed for your local Heroes Scholarship Fund
Did you know that the Heroes Scholarship Fund makes it possible for over 2,000 children and families to annually engage in the wonderful programs around campus? Those individuals and families are typically fighting a battle that no one knows about. Yet, here they are, thriving on campus right beside us, all because of the Heroes Program & Scholarship Campaign.
The Heroes campaign is our biggest annual effort in “Doing The Most Good” with a goal of raising $105,000 from May 1 – June 30. Every penny from Heroes goes towards giving year-round scholarships and assistance to those in need.
Local children and families apply for scholarships and recipients are granted opportunities to become involved in the Kroc Center’s programs. Applicants may also receive extra assistance in the form of presents for their children at Christmas, boxes of food, and more.
So, put on your cape and join the effort in “Doing The Most Good” for Your Community!
Your contribution and fundraising efforts, big or small, will help families similar to the Mercados.
The Mercado family of five has been receiving help through the Heroes scholarship fund. Mom, Marcela Mercado, felt desperate to get her kids involved in extra-curricular activities but knew it wasn’t financially possible. “When I heard about the scholarships it brought a hope to my family,” Marcela radiated. “Some of our struggles before coming to the Kroc Center were that we didn’t have much income to pay for activities for our kids. It was either pay for the rent and bills or have the kids in activities,” she explained.
After applying and learning that their family was approved for scholarships, Marcela and her husband, Rene, were overwhelmed with joy. “I was really happy!” Marcela exclaimed. “I never had this when I was a child. I want my kids to have better than what I did,” she shared.
In their three years as part of The Salvation Army Kroc community, the Mercados Family has received scholarships towards Camp, Junior Theatre, Soccer, Wellness Membership, Christmas presents, and a bike through the good behavior program.
Daughters, Mayte (11) and Mia (10), are currently preparing for Kroc Junior Theatre’s upcoming production of Mary Poppins Jr. “Both girls have learned so much,” Marcela beamed.
Son, Marlon (6), is flourishing on a Kroc Youth Sport’s League soccer team. “Marlon has a sensory processing disorder, so when he [started soccer] here I was a little scared but then felt the support and welcome from everybody,” Marcela detailed. “We are all treated the same here at the Kroc Center, not because we have a disability, a language barrier or because we’re low income,” she stated.
The Mercado family is so grateful to the Kroc Center, the Family Resource Center and especially the donors of the Heroes Program & Scholarship Campaign.
Marcela took a big deep breath when asked what she would say to those donors.
“Thank you for donating to the Kroc Center and giving our family hope. Without having the scholarships our family wouldn’t have accomplished any of this. Our kids wouldn’t have that [chance] to do everything they are now doing in the community,” Marcela finished.
Your donation will help the Mercado family continue to blossom here at the Kroc Center. When our community blooms, we all benefit.
Be a Hero today and give a child the gift of learning to play soccer, the piano, ice skate or shinning on that big theatre stage.
We thank you and we appreciate any amount of a gift you decide to give.
To donate, visit sd.kroccenter.org/HEROES or text SDHERO to 41444.