OGDEN -- The stress of providing for those in need during the holidays is behind them and Salvation Army Lts. George and Maggie Lopez now are putting additional efforts into recruiting volunteers, children and a new paid staffer for troop programs.
The programs began for 10 weeks in the fall on a limited basis, but now the couple wants them to grow.
"We got to see families grow and interact," George said, speaking of a party at the end of the 10 weeks. "There were a lot of family members that came and were playing with the kids."
They listed a trip to Ogden Eccles Dinosaur Park and visits to a police station and a fire station as activities included in the startup that involved several dozen children.
Starting Feb. 9, the program will invite additional children from ages 3 to 18 to meet at the Salvation Army to learn about God, play games, do crafts, earn badges, enjoy snacks and go on field trips.
But they'll also need more interest and cooperation from adults to pull it off.
"It's been an amazing thing," Maggie said. "The turnout has been unbelievable. We are at maximum capacity unless we can get more volunteers and more help."
Eventually, Maggie would like to see the program grow to become an everyday after-school program.
Administrating the Ogden Salvation Army just since July, the couple recognize that they have a long way to go to realize their dreams for their organization, but they want to keep working at getting there.
The troop program is one example of this desire.
The two said they were directed by their supervisor to grow the traditional programs of the Salvation Army here.
They said many local residents don't recognize the youth troops as traditional Salvation Army programs.
But a handful of years ago, they said, troop programs were operating in the city.
They started the troops in the fall by contacting youths through fliers at area schools and by word of mouth to families already involved in the church and mission programs.
Moonbeams are for boys and girls age 3-5; Sunbeams are girls age 6-11; Adventure Corps is for boys 6-12; and Girl Guards is for girls age 12-18.
"It's kind of funny, because the girls are more interested in it, unless you start to mention bows and arrows and boating," George said.
Maggie said besides recruiting, she's also working on writing grants for children in her troops to attend regional Salvation Army camps this summer.
"Clearly, the kids that we work with predominantly can't come up with $200," she said. But the lieutenant said regardless of a child's ability to pay, summer camps can provide great growing opportunities for children.
Maggie said she'll also need money for an additional van to pick up children who don't have transportation and likely will need more money to pay a youth leader she and George would like to hire.
The youth leader position will, for now, be part time. It will involve the Tuesday troop meetings, some Thursday teen meetings, Sunday school and supervision of a Bible bowl team they hope to create.
Those interested in applying must have experience working with children and a desire to serve God through such efforts.
Maggie said interested parties should apply now at the Salvation Army because the successful applicant will have to undergo a background check and will also have to attend her "Safe From Home" class.
The Salvation Army is at 2635 Grant Ave. For information, call (801) 621-3580.
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