Kroc Center Inducted into Idaho Hall of Fame

COEUR d'ALENE -The Salvation Army Kroc Community Center was inducted into the Idaho Hall of Fame.

Freeman Duncan, Post Falls resident for 35 years and IHOF director, nominated The Kroc Center, and Majors John Chamness and Ben Markham were recognized for the award during a presentation at the Coeur d'Alene City Council meeting Tuesday.

"It is our rule that we cannot contact the individual being nominated for any information," said Duncan on the nomination," "And with The Kroc Center, that was no problem. It was very easy to relate the importance of The Salvation Army's work and their impact on our community."

In addition to maintaining The Kroc Center's quality facility and programs, The Salvation Army gives back to the North Idaho community in a variety of ways. In the three years since opening, The Kroc Center has awarded over 10,000 membership scholarships to local individuals and families in need.

In 2011 alone, The Salvation Army collected donations and gave backpacks filled with school supplies to 550 deserving students, Thanksgiving food baskets to 440 families, and a winter-clothing shopping spree for 135 elementary students throughout Kootenai County. The Salvation Army also supports five area nonprofits with food and emergency assistance vouchers and has provided complimentary meeting and event space for 38 area nonprofits.

"How fitting to receive this award during National Salvation Army Week," Chamness said, "It was just last Friday that we celebrated The Kroc Center's third birthday. It's amazing to think about the difference that The Salvation Army has made in thousands of lives in Kootenai County over the past three years."

The Kroc Center is one of 15 nonprofits, businesses, and individuals inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2012. Each year the Board Members with Idaho Hall of Fame send invitations to members of academies, government agencies, business entities, and individuals to submit candidates for future Idaho Hall of Fame Inductees.