The Ashland Kroc Center Invites Community to Celebrate the Season with Three Holiday Events
ASHLAND, Ohio – The holiday season is a time for coming together, giving back and creating memories with those who matter most. This November and December, The Salvation Army Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center in Ashland is inviting the community to celebrate the season with three special events designed to bring people together and spread a little holiday cheer.
From a traditional Thanksgiving meal to holiday shopping and a magical Christmas celebration, there’s something for everyone at The Ashland Kroc Center.
Thanksgiving Community Meal – Monday, November 23
The Kroc Center will kick off the holiday season by welcoming the community to its free Thanksgiving Community Meal on Monday, November 23, from 6 to 6:45 p.m. in the gymnasium of The Ashland Kroc Center, 527 E. Liberty St.
Guests are invited to enjoy a festive holiday feast complete with all the traditional Thanksgiving fixings. Open to the entire community, the meal provides an opportunity for neighbors to gather, share a meal and celebrate the spirit of gratitude and togetherness. Reservations are requested by Monday, November 16, by calling 419-281-8001.
Holiday Arts & Crafts Show – Saturday, December 5
Before you head to downtown Ashland for the Christmas Parade, join The Salvation Army Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center to find those perfect gifts at our annual Holiday Arts & Crafts Show on Saturday, December 5, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Held at The Ashland Kroc Center, the show offers shoppers an opportunity to browse a variety of 20+ vendors and discover unique, handcrafted gifts and holiday treasures.
New this year will be a gift-wrapping service! After you select the perfect gift, you can take it right over to one of our volunteers and have it wrapped before you even get home. Or, if you’re short on time this year, stop on by the Craft Show with your gifts and have them wrapped as well! Suggested donation starts at $2 per gift. Cash and credit/debit card will be accepted as forms of payment, and all proceeds will support The Kroc Center’s Christmas food box and assistance programs.
It’s a Wonderful Kroc Christmas – Saturday, December 12
Rounding out the holiday festivities, It’s a Wonderful Kroc Christmas returns Saturday, December 12, from 2 to 5 p.m. at The Ashland Kroc Center. Cooler than ever and featuring new experiences for guests of all ages, this year’s event promises an afternoon filled with holiday magic, family fun and unforgettable memories.
This year’s featured attractions include Anna, Elsa & Friends presenting a holiday musical celebration and meet ‘n greet, ice sculptures and a live ice-carving demonstration, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, a double 18-foot slide, a Frozen-themed bounce house, Santa’s reindeer and a Christmas train.
Presented as a Holiday Hope Fundraiser, this year’s event also introduces new activities for adults, creating an even more engaging experience for the entire family.
Admission is $15 per person for a Royal Guest Ticket or $65 for a Royal Family Ticket, which includes admission for up to five immediate family members. Additional children may be added to a family ticket for $5 each.
New this year: A ticket is required for every guest, including adults, to enjoy the expanded activities and enhanced experiences. Royal Family Tickets may be purchased and Individual Tickets may be purchased.
“We are thrilled to bring ‘It’s a Wonderful Kroc Christmas’ back to The Ashland Kroc Center. Not only does this event provide an important fundraising opportunity for our organization, but it also gives families a chance to make memories, be active together, and celebrate the magic of the holiday season,” says Dan Lawson, PhD, Director of Community Relations and Development for The Ashland Kroc Center.
Dr. Lawson adds that the community’s support is especially meaningful this year as the need for assistance continues to grow. “We are projecting that we will provide approximately 400 Christmas food boxes this year—about 75 more than last Christmas. We are also seeing an increase in the number of individuals and families seeking assistance through our Angel Tree program, along with more calls from neighbors who need help putting food on the table. The funds raised through the Holiday Arts & Crafts Show and It’s a Wonderful Kroc Christmas will directly support our Christmas food box program. Each box contains the ingredients needed to prepare both a special Christmas breakfast and dinner, helping ensure that more of our neighbors can experience the joy, comfort, and togetherness of the holiday season. We are incredibly grateful to the Ashland community for helping us make that possible.”
Whether sharing a Thanksgiving meal, finding the perfect holiday gift or making magical Christmas memories, The Ashland Kroc Center is excited to provide opportunities for the Ashland community to come together throughout the holiday season.
For additional information about these events, contact The Ashland Kroc Center at 419-281-8001, visit ashlandkroc.org, or follow Ashland Kroc Center on Facebook or @AshlandKroc on Instagram.
The Salvation Army Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center is located at 527 E. Liberty St. in Ashland, Ohio.
