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MASSENA -- While plans to build a Ray and Joan
Kroc Community Center in Massena have fallen victim to the economic downturn and local fundraising challenges,
The Salvation Army hopes to work with local donors on a scaled back version of
a community center, Empire State Divisional Commander Maj. Donald W. Lance
announced.
With local business cutbacks and plant closings, "our
fundraising campaign has not been be able to meet the requirements of the
original Kroc grant," he said.
The $22 million Kroc grant to build the facility
and help pay operating costs was contingent upon the local community raising
$2.5 million to help keep the facility running. After three years, the local
Salvation Army only has been able to raise about a third of that
goal.
"We share in the community's disappointment, but
while a Kroc center may not be built, the work of The Salvation Army locally
will continue," Major Lance said.
"The Salvation Army is still committed to a
community-wide project in Massena... Our hope is that donors in Massena will
maintain their desire and dedication to the process of building a community
center along with the Army, and continue working with us to decide the scope of
a project that can be supported with available, local financial
resources."
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