Although donation to Salvation Army is restrictive, it is appreciated

There has been quite a bit of public interest since the announcement of Joan Kroc’s bequest to The Salvation Army. Certainly, the army feels blessed to have been entrusted with a gift purported to exceed $1.5 billion and, as always, The Salvation Army will abide by the specific requests of Mrs. Kroc.

Joan Kroc specified in her will that half of her gift must be used to build community centers throughout the United States. The other half forms an endowment for which the interest may be used to help fund the centers. It was also specifically stated in her will that the money is to be divided among the four Salvation Army territories in the United States.

Mrs. Kroc’s gift is restricted. At no time may any portion of her magnanimous gift be used for any existing Salvation Army program or service for the needy of our communities. Nor can it be used for administrative purposes.

When our friends make a donation to The Salvation Army for a specific purpose, we honor that request and only use the funds for that particular purpose. The army will do the same with the gift from Joan Kroc.

The Salvation Army continues programs and services for those less fortunate in our communities. And that will never change. We still need to rely on the public’s generosity all throughout the year in order for us to continue our work in helping New Jersey’s needy.

New Jersey is one of 11 divisions that comprise The Salvation Army’s eastern territory. At this time, no decision has been made as to where the new community centers will be located. In fact, it is not known how many centers might be built in our territory. New Jersey may not even be a selected location. Whatever is decided, it may be some time — or years — before any center might be built and ready for use.

I thank you for your continued support of The Salvation Army and hope you will continue as benefactors, allowing us to help those in New Jersey who are less fortunate.

Major Stephen Banfield

New Jersey Divisional Commander

The Salvation Army