Kroc Center’s Pumpkin Run, Kroctober Fest kick off a busy season, with after-school spots open

The Salvation Army Kroc Center’s busiest season is about to begin, and it starts with a run.

The 16th annual Pumpkin Run 5K steps off at 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, followed by the free Kroctober Fest from 9 a.m. to noon. Kroc marketing director Ashley Phillips and Kroc Academy Director Dee Blevins previewed both on Tuesday’s episode of The Lead Live.

“Q4 for everyone is insane,” Phillips said. “Holiday season is busy, busy, busy, especially for the Salvation Army.”

A run for the kids

Registration for the Pumpkin Run is $35, and Phillips said most of it is a donation to Kroc Academy, the center’s after-school and day camp program.

The timed 5K runs on a new course this year around the track and the Kroc property. It’s pet- and stroller-friendly, and walkers are welcome. Every finisher gets a custom medal, with prizes for the top three male and female finishers and fun categories including best costume, first stroller and first pet. There’s also a kids’ run.

McDonald’s will again donate a free hot breakfast for runners afterward.

“If you love affordable childcare for working families in this community, if you love our community having a Kroc Center,” Phillips said, the run is a way to support it.

Sponsorships start at $100 and include recognition on the event T-shirt, banner and email blast.

Kroctober Fest is free

Kroctober Fest follows the run with bounce houses, cake walks, face painting, crafts, pumpkin carving and decorating, a tractor-pulled hayride, a petting zoo, a costume contest and free food.

Phillips said the festival is the Kroc’s chance to give back. The center runs a food pantry, rent and utility assistance, back-to-school and Angel Tree programs and a dental clinic, all of which depend on donations.

“Our community events is a time for us to just say thank you to our community,” she said. “We are the community center. Come and enjoy your Kroc Center.”

After-school spots available

Blevins has returned to the Kroc to lead Kroc Academy. Phillips said Blevins ran the program for years when it was a Boys & Girls Club, with more than 100 children enrolled.

Kroc Academy currently has openings in its after-school program, which runs until 6:30 p.m., one of the latest pickup times in town. The program also offers day camps during Thanksgiving, winter and spring breaks, along with summer camp. Scholarships are available.

“We’re there for the kiddos. They’re our priority,” Blevins said. “We want to make sure that we are a safe, fun place for them all the time.”

Coming up

Phillips said the Kroc will soon launch its holiday programs, including Angel Tree and bell ringing, and its annual Thanksgiving community meal, which feeds more than 2,000 people.

Registration and sponsorship information for the Pumpkin Run is available on the Kroc Center’s website and social media.