Kidz Day 2023

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Kidz Day is an annual event for the benefit of local at-risk youth at The Salvation Army Red Shield Community Center in South Modesto.

Red Shield’s Teen program a safe haven

The Salvation Army Red Shield Modesto has done an amazing job at blessing everyone that comes to experience any of their programs. The Teen program gives teens the opportunities, the experiences, and the help they need in order to grow, strive, and become better people. The mission of the Teen program is designed to assist students with all aspects of their academic work, give them opportunities to experience working, and to assist them in making the right decisions in life, all while having fun.

There are a myriad of highlights from the Teen program. One seventh grader, Alex, expressed his thoughts by saying, “This place is the best; friendly staff, and offers snacks, games, and movies.”

The Teen program offers a Monday through Friday safe haven filled with a variety of activities throughout the week such as arts/crafts, STEM, homework support, gym games, and life advice. On Friday nights, the teen program extends into the evening to provide a safe place with a fun-filled, spiritual-centered night. In addition, the Teen program ties into Sunday school offering spiritual growth and guidance to the teens. Overall, the Teen program provides mental, physical, spiritual, and career-oriented growth for every child that walks through the doors.

“I first became involved with the Red Shield at age seven,” Jose Luis Ortiz shared. “It all started with the baseball program. I fell in love with baseball, so

I played baseball until I aged out at 15. I was blessed by having great coaches when I was playing baseball. As a teenager I still went to the Red Shield on a regular.

One of my biggest blessings was meet-

ing the staff at Red Shield. They always kept their door open for me and were always and still are very welcoming, even when I wasn’t on my best behavior. My wife (then girlfriend) and I would attend

most of the Red Shield functions, but we especially liked Teen night. At age 17 I decided to join the U.S. Army. During my four years on active duty I was stationed in South Korea, North Carolina, and Iraq. After active duty I did two years of National Guard. After leaving the army I came home and felt like reaching out to Maria and Ruben about coaching at The Red Shield, this was in 2007 and I’ve been coaching since. Now my wife, Jennifer, and I have been married for 20 years and we have six kids.

“The Red Shield was a blessing for me then and still is now,” Ortiz continued. “My kids are involved with the Red Shield and their programs in hopes that one day they too realize the Red Shield is a blessing. I know that I wouldn’t have accomplished the things that I did without my family and friends at home and the Red Shield’s programs and prayers.”

TEEN PROGRAM

The character-building programs help teens develop skill-building, goal-setting, leadership development and Christian living. Other activities include music program classes, Sunday school, teen fellowship and youth trips. The funding for this ongoing program costs $90,000.

Red Shield tutoring program making a difference

A safe place to get online

Our computer lab has 20 online computers available for job search, homework and skill training. Kids and teens can access learning games and do research needed for their schoolwork. The computer lab is supervised, and our computers are equipped with firewalls and software which keep the users from accidentally accessing inap-

propriate sites.

Some of our participants don’t have access to WiFi at home, and our lab offers them the opportunity to safely navigate the web while they learn. Basic Computer and other structured classes/training available from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

COMPUTER LAB

Our Computer Lab helps children develop their typing, basic computer skills and research for homework. A software grant from Target has assisted in teaching financial literacy, digital responsibility, science, technology and math. The funding of this program costs $51,100.

The Red Shield provides an after school tutoring program for students at local schools. The program was started in 2006 after the Modesto Salvation Army saw a need for homework assistance for the kids that attended the local schools, according to Salvation Army Red Shield Operations Manager Maria Arellano.

The local schools that they serve are Bret Harte, Shackleford, Fairview and Tuolumne. Red Shield serves anywhere between 12 to 24 students daily and about 200 a year.

The program has advanced from only providing home assistance to providing snacks, age-appropriate projects when not doing homework, games and an educational hour.

“Not every home has WiFi access, so one of the perks of coming to the Red Shield is that they could use WiFi,” said Arellano. “Students really come to rely

on the assistance they get at Red Shield. When they need help with homework or a project, they come in full force. Even though the program is only 3:15-4:15 for homework, sometimes they’re in there until 5 or 5:15 because they want the help.”

AFTER SCHOOL HOMEWORK & LITERACY PROGRAM

Many of our children have no resources at home to help them to learn and complete their homework. Our staff and volunteers work with them every afternoon to help them to learn and excel at school in our homework and literacy assistance program. Funding for this program costs $85,000.

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Music Program A place to play and create

BY MARIA ARELLANO

The Red Shield Game Room has always been a favorite spot for kids to just be kids.

Over the years as adults return to the Red Shield with their children it’s common to hear them say, ‘I remember when the entrance to the Red Shield was in the game room.’ Over the last 10 years we have been continuously remodeling and upgrading our Red Shield.

At the Red Shield we have recently moved our game room to a more kid friendly space. This is where we are undergoing our new look to move our 1980’s game room to a 2022 video-themed game room. A space where arts and crafts can get messy without damaging carpet. A place where kids can have a friendly tournament of Mario Kart or E-sports. A place where kids can gather and play board game or BINGO with the Activities Coordinator, Tammy.

The game room is a fun, inviting space where kids can be kids and interact with their friends or make new friends. In the game room you will find our staff member Tammy, who loves working with the kids daily. She is always ready for them and remembers them on their birthdays, even newbies get to know Tammy quickly. Our new game room has online

gaming, family-friendly movies, arts and crafts and arcade games like Foosball and air hockey.

You can find this room as a drop-in center that is a cool down room in the midst of summer. Kids like the game room as it is noisy but relaxing. You can just sit and relax or join in any activity being offered. The game room is open daily after homework program until 6:30 p.m.

The new game room could use some love and adopting. You can donate your time, talent, or treasures by helping us ramp up the room. We are going with the modern E-Sport or Gaming theme. Today’s youth love gaming and crafting. In our game room we want to make the space inviting to what youth love.

GAME ROOM

The game room renovation will include more online gaming options, as well as some classics like Foosball, air hockey and board games. There’s also family-friendly movies and arts and crafts projects. The funding needed for the game room is $57,700.

This year the Salvation Army Modesto Red Shield started a music program, for kids ages 7-18 years old. They teach a variety of instruments and dance. From Ukulele to Folklorico these kids have a space to learn either a new instrument or a new cultural dance.

“Each kid gets to explore a new skill

or hidden talent they didn’t even know they had,” said Capt. Thelma Jimenez. Each class and student gets to go on to a Divisional competition to present the piece they have been working on.

“This Music Program is one of the many things we get to teach and learn with the kids. And what an honor that is,” said Jimenez.

Family Fun Night

Family Fun Night is on the last Friday of each month. Every month is a different theme such as Nerf War, Dosgeball competition, Game Night, Flick and Float, Carnival Night etc... these events are free to families and include free food, snacks, music and prizes. These Family Fun Nights are meant to create beautiful memories, help families bond and destress. We also want to provide an opportunity to share a devotion with them and a time of prayer. Being able to come alongside each family and provide support and a save place for them to come and have fun. We understand times are tough and cost of living has gone up and it can be very expensive for families to go out so, we provide a safe environment with plenty of entertainment and at no cost.

A place to play ball at Red Shield

The Salvation Army Red Shield Center has been a refuge for thousands of at-risk youth since the 1970s and offers a variety of athletic programs for school-aged kids, including baseball and softball.

“Fifty years later and we’re still providing the same service,” said Red Shield Operations Manager Maria Arellano. “They built this facility to save lives and get kids off the streets by offering them a safe environment.”

Red Shield sponsors a total of ten teams that play in the Stanislaus County recreational league, including four baseball (12-and-under, 10s, 8s and T-ball) and four softball (12s, 10s, 8s and T-ball).

“It’s one of the most popular programs,” Arellano said. “The coaches are always giving the kids positive reinforcement to build up their self-esteem. They learn sportsmanship. They learn respect.”

The 2023 season got underway on April 1 and runs through the end of May.

Thank

BASEBALL & SOFTBALL

The baseball, softball and T-ball teams are always in need of volunteers to serve as coaches, assistant coaches, score keepers, team parents and snack bar help.

The Red Shield Senior Program

The Senior Program is a rededication to a service well needed in the community of South Modesto. It’s been 15 years since the Red Shield could offer such an amazing program to our community of 55 years and older. Daily watching seniors walk in a community with no sidewalks lots of stray dogs and extreme weather my heart strings tugged at how to find a way to fund a senior program. Sutter Health had an opportunity that came our way with a grant for funding. Remembering the seniors I would see daily trying to get in some exercise to keep moving and stay active it was perfect opportunity to write for them.

With the Sutter Health funding the Red Shield has been able to open a beautiful and amazing Senior Drop In Center open to all individuals 55 years and older. Our Senior Program staff are dedicated to providing amazing activities, field trips and guest speakers to help seniors with resources they might not otherwise have or know where to go. While most seniors live on limited resources the Red Shield Senior program has incorporated healthy lifestyle with healthy meals for breakfast and lunch as well as workout sessions several times a week.

At the Red Shield Senior Drop In Center a senior can come in for coffee, make new friends, read a book, be inspired or blessed with spiritual opportunities, have breakfast, lunch, field trips and exercise (on their own or in group fitness). The Senior Program has a designated Senior Coordinator who leads the program Monday – Friday from 7am-1pm. A designated driver has been assigned to assist

those that need transportation assistance by picking up and dropping off seniors for the program. Assistance for medical appointments is available depending on schedule.

The program opened its doors in October 2022 and has been actively flourishing ever since. The program is bilingual and seniors have shared how much they are being blessed. For some seniors the program has assisted their health in being able to brush their own hair again from the fitness classes on muscle strengthening. For others who needed a safe place to recover from knee/hip surgery the Red Shield Senior program has assisted in offering a facility they can do their walking. Others enjoy the program for its companionship and allowing for them to not stay home continuing to be depressed.

Through this program some have done things for the first time like coloring (something an 80 year old man would never have experienced) planting seeds and seeing the growth of their nurturing/ caring. For others the resources for medical equipment/insurances available and for some it’s the place they find they can have a meal twice a day without having to worry about the finances of it.

There are so many good things happening and the passion and love for the program from the Red Shield staff to the seniors themselves has allowed us to incorporate them into our family fun nights where they not only interact with senior but are integrated with our community families and bringing joy and smiles to those who were once lonely and homebound.

A place to grow healthy A place to build physical strength and self-confidence

Children, teens and young adults who are enrolled in the boxing program are taught physical, mental and spiritual endurance and strength. The experienced coaches are passionate about training young people in the “sweet science” at all levels and abilities, and providing a safe, structured and supervised athletic experience.

Juan Barrera runs Red Shield’s boxing program and this will mark his 15th season coaching. Like many of the kids at the Red Shield, Barrera started learning how to box at a young age.

“My dad was a fighter and started showing me boxing moves when I was 4-years-old, but I didn’t start [organized] boxing until I was 15,” said Barrera.

He was drawn to the challenging nature of the sport and to the camaraderie of training with other young boxers.

Barrera hung up the gloves at age 20 but couldn’t stay away from the sport for too long. He felt a burning desire to be a mentor and leader to the kids in south Modesto.

“I grew up in the neighborhood at the Red Shield,” he said. “It’s given me structure. The kids are depending on me to show up. I have to set an example, too. It keeps me grounded.”

The benefits of boxing go far beyond the physical, said Barrera.

“It’s not just about boxing,” Barrera said. “It builds their self-esteem and confidence. It’s good for stress. It gives them discipline.”

“It’s easy to stay home and play video games and watch TV,” he added. “These kids choose to come to the gym and work out. We want to see them become champions in life.”

The boxing program is open for boys and girls 6 to 18 years old.

BOXING

The award-winning boxing program is staffed with knowledgeable coaches who work with the children, teens and adults to develop basic boxing skills, sportsmanship and physical fitness. The funding for this program costs $64,700.

The fitness room at The Salvation Army Red Shield Center provides community members and students alike with the opportunity to focus on their fitness and physical health while in a fun and welcoming atmosphere.

The fitness center has first-class cardio and weight training equipment, like incline treadmills, ellipticals, recumbent bikes and a variety of cable machines.

After school, the center’s fitness room is open to kids 16 and older, or those younger than 16 can enter with an adult. A lot of kids utilize the weight room just to get exercise in, Red Shield Center Director Maria Arellano said, or they join programs, like boxing, that take place in the fitness room.

Before students arrive in the after-

noon, adult community members also utilize the fitness room, which offers Zumba and bootcamp classes as well. Individuals are able to purchase fitness class passes via the Red Shield website, and attend courses led by instructors. The facilities hours between 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

FITNESS PROGRAMS

The Red Shield Fitness Center features state-of-the-art cardio and weight-training equipment, as well as Zoomba and bootcamp programs for adults. The funding needed for this program is $26,130.

A safe place to swim

The pool at The Salvation Army Red Shield Center continues to play a vital role in the community by offering an escape from summer heat and providing a place for people to learn how to swim in a safe and controlled environment.

“They know they’re safe in this pool because there’s a lifeguard watching them,” Red Shield Center Director Maria Arellano said. “They can come, have fun and not feel so afraid of the water.”

Open swim times, swim lessons and water aerobics can be enjoyed at the pool, and the “vortex” slide provides another fun way for kids to beat the heat. Students can also take a course to become a junior lifeguard and learn water safety, and a new swim program also gives kids the chance to join a team and participate in competitive water sports against

each other.

“Not only do they have free splash time, but they might also join a team and find something they’re really interested in,” Arellano said.

“Every summer, the pool fills with local children from the surrounding community who can finally feel safe while swimming”, Arellano said.

“A lot of kids here don’t have those experiences of growing up with a pool, and especially when you come from a Hispanic culture, water can be a very scary thing,” she said. “Now when they come in, parents are starting to feel more comfortable that their kids are learning to swim and are safe.”

The pool will be open Monday – Saturday from June through August.

AQUATICS

The full-size pool sees a lot of activity during the summer months for recreational swimming, swimming lessons and lifeguard training classes for adults and seniors. The funding needed for this program is $190,720.

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A place to learn about teamwork

The gymnasium serves as an integral part of the Red Shield Center by hosting an array of recreational activities, community gatherings and social events over the years.

The wide, open space serves as the perfect spot for Red Shield to offer sports and activities to students as well as the general public, providing a low-cost alternative for adults and families who want to lead a healthy lifestyle.

“The kids here feel safe — they have a space where they’re being challenged and empowered, in a place where they can just be kids,” said Operations Manager Maria Arellano. “They can utilize it, have fun and be active.”

Twice a year kids and teens can register for a six-week basketball clinic where they receive basic instruction in basketball. Teenagers can play pickup basketball from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Drop-in basketball for adults is from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Children use a portion of the gym from 5p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Times can also vary. Activities include indoor soccer, kickball, dodgeball, volleyball and relay races.

The space is also used for a monthly Family Fun Night, an event on the last Friday of the month when families can come together for a time of fun and laughter. Some of the activities provided are Nerf Gun wars, Family Carnivals, and movie nights. Mass meals are served to community members on Thanksgiving and Christmas.

One of Red Shield’s goals is to provide a supervised, friendly and healthy alternative to students spending days after school on the streets, she added.

“A place like this is important because what the streets are offering right now is the total opposite,” Arellano said. “Here, they can get away from that and don’t have to worry about the pressure of somebody trying to peer pressure them into doing something they don’t want to do.

The full-size modern gymnasium provides basketball and other recreational activities for children, teens and adults. With an emphasis put on gang intervention and prevention, the gym is a place where many high-school aged kids and young adults spend many hours. The gym uses include basketball, pickle ball, volleyball, indoor soccer, kick ball and special event. The funding need for these programs costs $59,000.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED AT THE RED SHIELD

There are a variety of ways that an individual, family or group can get involved and volunteer to assist the Red Shield. Whether you can help one day, every day, or once a year, we would love to give you an opportunity to invest in the lives of children at our center. It’s also a great way to fulfill community service obligations for your school. We may have just the job for you.

SOME OF OUR VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

■ After-School Homework – Helping elementary school aged children learn, read and complete their homework and assignments on time; assisting with computer literacy and safety; using your skills and talents to teach eager learners.

■ Food Service –Assist with the preparation and serving of a comprehensive, nutritional snack for the children of the Red Shield every weekday.

■ Sports – Leading or assiting in teaching sports skills and fundamentals to children and teens in baseball, softball, basketball, volleyball, futsal, boxing, fitness and other group sports and recreational activities. We are also always looking for experts to come by and teach new sports skills.

■ Snack Bar – Help us run our snack bar on our sports field. Volunteers assist with the preparation of drinks and snacks for our guests. We can also use food donations to sell in the snack bar.

■ Aquatics – We need certified lifeguards who are willing to volunteer during our swim season. Qualified instructors for our swim lessons, junior lifeguard program and our informal swim team are also needed.

■ Program Instructors – Take an opportunity to introduce children to a talent or skill that you possess. Perhaps it’s something in sports, martial arts, technology, education, or a hobby. There are many options that would benefit the children at the Red Shield.

SPECIAL CAMPAIGNS

■ Kidz Day – Celebrate our annual fundraising campaign by selling our Kidz Day newspaper on a busy corner, or have your business adopt a corner and make it a fun group project. There’s also the option of purchasing advertising space in the newspaper or becoming a corporate sponsor. Kidz Day is the Red Shield’s biggest annual fundraiser and proceeds go directly to helping us serve children in Modesto.

■ Christmas – Get in the Christmas spirit by being one of our volunteer bell ringers at one of our kettle sites. Bring your family or co-workers and make it a party. it’s fun and helps The Salvation Army in Modesto tremendously. There also are opportunities to adopt a child and help a disadvantaged youth have a Christmas to remember.

CONTACT INFORMATION

THE SALVATION ARMY MODESTO RED SHIELD COMMUNITY CENTER

1649 LAS VEGAS STREET ◆ MODESTO, CA. 95358

P.O. BOX 580480 ◆ MODESTO, CA. 95358 ◆ (209) 538-7111

WWW.REDSHIELDMODESTO.ORG ◆ FACEBOOK: THE SALVATION ARMY

MODESTO RED SHIELD CENTER

MODESTO RED SHIELD CENTER - INFO@REDSHIELDMODESTO.ORG

Red Shield benefits from decades of Kidz Day work by Cecilia and Pete Michelini

BY SABRA STAFFORD

When Cecilia and Pete Michelini were first approached about selling some Kidz Day newspapers at a busy Modesto intersection, they could not envision that it would lead them to a spiritual mission to better the lives of all those using the Salvation Army Modesto Red Shield.

For more than two decades the couple has been spearheading, organizing and maintaining the Kidz Day program, along with other efforts to benefit the Red Shield.

“Their help over the years has been priceless,” said Salvation Army Major Magaly Laubach. “Their commitment and dedication to the people who participate in our programs has encouraged others to get involved. Pete and Cecilia selflessly give of their time, talents and treasure to support us, and we are immensely touched and blessed by them. As volunteers, as well as in their roles within our Advisory

Council, their input and contributions allow us to provide the level of service our community needs and deserves. The Modesto Red Shield is a better place because of them and we are eternally grateful.”

It was in 1998 when the Michelinis were first approached about lending a hand to the Kidz Day program, which is a major fundraising effort for the Red Shield.

“Cecilia was the owner of Roller King

when Kidz Day was in its infancy,” Pete said. “We were approached by The Red Shield to sell papers at Briggsmore and Prescott. We did so well that we were asked to join the Red Shield Advisory Council and the Kidz Day Committee.”

“Pete was also asked to join The Salvation Army Advisory Board,” Cecilia added.

“About a year later Cecilia was asked to Chair the Kidz Day Committee for a twoyear term,” Pete said. “Twenty-five years

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later she still chairs the committee.”

Under their leadership, the Kidz Day project has seen substantial growth.

“The Kidz Day Event has evolved over the years,” the couple said. “It went from a page in a newspaper to having an entire paper dedicated to the programs at the Red Shield, requiring more focus on our part. Each year we continue to achieve a greater level of organization in working with the dedicated volunteers.”

Though it is an immense amount of work, both Cecilia and Pete agree that the benefits they get from their involvement far outweigh the effort.

“We are overwhelmed by the support of our community,” they said. “We love working with our generous community volunteers. We have seen a generation of Red Shield children grow and prosper due to the programs and fellowship at the Red Shield. Seeing the smiles on the faces of these children is priceless.”

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A PLACE TO WORSHIP AND GROW IN FAITH

■ SUNDAY SCHOOL

Classes offered every Sunday morning to all ages from kids to adults. Childcare available for 5 years and under.

■ WORSHIP SERVICE

Contemporary family worship is offered to anyone looking for a church home. Service begins at 11:00a.m. on Sundays. We are a “come as you are” church and everyone is welcome to visit us or join our church family.

■ TROOPS

• The Salvation Army Scouting programs are offered on Wednesdays at 4:30 p.m. Includes children 4 years old through 12th grade.

• Moonbeams for boys and girls ages 4-5.

• Sunbeams for girls 1st grade through 5th grade.

• Girl Guards for girls 6th grade through 12th grade.

• Adventure Corps Explorers for boys 1st grade through 4rd grade.

• Adventure Corps Rangers for boys 5th grade through 8th grade.

Troops meet with leaders weekly to work on projects and to earn badges. Troops attend annual rallies in uniforms

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with sashes, ready to recite pledges. Children in troops also are eligible to attend summer camp for a week in the Santa Cruz Mountains at the Salvation Army’s overnight camp.

■ TEEN PROGRAM

A designated room is open from 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday for teens (7th grade through 12th grade) targeted to offer teens their own space to do homework, fellowship, play games, have daily topic discussion groups, and to be encouraged by the Youth Leader.

The Teen Room also has an outreach program on Friday evenings from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. offering teens a positive alternative option on Friday nights where teen crime rate is high. Teen night offers food, fun and fellowship. Weekly activities and outings are scheduled.

■ BIBLE

STUDY

The Red Shield offers a weekly Bible Study class in English and in Spanish at 6 p.m. on Wednesday for all ages, childcare provided. Bible scholars and novices welcomed

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for topical or book-based studies.

■ WOMEN’S MINISTRIES—HOME LEAGUE

Weekly women’s program with a fourfold purpose — education, worship, fellowship and service. Ladies meet every Wednesday at 10 a.m. Quarterly calendars are available. Great opportunity for women to get out and meet other ladies.

SEASONAL PROGRAMS

■ VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

A weeklong, themed, Biblical outreach for children. VBS is held twice per year, during Spring Break, and in the summer. The program is free and includes lunch, learning activities, recreation and swimming.

■ SUMMER OVERNIGHT CAMP

The Salvation Army offers a variety of overnight camps. These camps allow the child to spend a week in the Santa Cruz Mountains at The Salvation Army Redwood Glen Camp with highly trained camp staff. Prices vary; please call to inquire about overnight camp availability.

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RED SHIELD FUNDING INFORMATION

Fund the entire Red Shield for 1 year . . $1,495,000

This includes all expenses- including programs, building costs, vehicles, utilities, insurance, security, etc. The Red Shield Corps Community Center is a 32,000 square foot building located in south Modesto, near Hatch Road and Crows Landing Road. This neighborhood is one of the poorest areas in the city.

After School Homework & Literacy Program . $85,000

Many of our children have no resources at home to help them to learn and complete their homework. Our staff and volunteers work with them every afternoon to help them to learn and excel at school in our homework and literacy assistance program.

Weekly Youth Programs . . . . . . . $23,000

Our Character-building programs help children to develop skillbuilding, goal-setting, leadership development and Christian living. Other activities include Music Program classes, Sunday School, Teen Fellowship, and Youth Trips.

Summer Resident Camp . . . . . . . $23,700

Our summer camping program offers children the opportunity to attend an overnight summer camp at a low cost to their families. This offers them a week-long opportunity at The Salvation Army’s overnight camp in the Santa Cruz mountains. This season 2022 we would like to send 75 kids to camp for a one-week session. How can you help send a child to camp? Donate $275 for one youth to spend 7 days at overnight camp this summer

Aquatics – All ages . . . . . . . . . $190,720

A full-size swimming pool experiences a lot of activity during the summer months for recreational swimming and swimming

lessons. How can you support the aquatic program?

Sponsor a child to swim all summer for $64; one set of swim lessons for $40 ($240 all summer); water fitness for the summer $20; train a lifeguard for $300.

Donate supplies: Pool noodles, kick boards, goggles, swim attire, pool dive toys, pool volley balls or basketballs, hair ties, sandals, beach towels, or locker locks. Make a donation toward chemical supplies, which cost $20,000.

Boxing

We have very knowledgeable coaches providing instruction in our award-winning Boxing Program. They are working with children, teens and young adults, helping them to develop basic boxing skills, sportsmanship and physical fitness. Our program has held California Silver Gloves state champions as well as National Champions over the last several years. Sponsor a child to box for $20 month or $240 year; for amateur boxing it’s $465 a year and includes local tournaments; tournament sponsorships are $5,500. Donations of items needed for boxing include: hand wraps, mouth guards, jump ropes, turnbuckle, punching bags, body suits, double end bag, wrecking ball heavy bag, uniform, padding for ring, canvas ring cover, heavy bag stand, and a ring.

Baseball/Softball

Every spring, our Baseball Program helps young people develop basic baseball skills, and teaches teamwork, and sportsmanship. This year, we have eight T-ball, softball and baseball teams. Sponsor a child for $120 or a team for $600. Donations of equipment include: baseballs, softballs, belt, socks, batting gloves, face mask, whiffle balls, cleats, gloves, helmets, bats, batting T and a riding lawn mower.

Fitness Programs .

$26,130

The Red Shield Fitness Center features state-of-the-art cardio and weight-training equipment. We also offer Zumba and Boot Camp programs for adults. Donations can be of: jump ropes, yoga mats, hand weights and weight balls.

Gym & Recreational Program All Ages .

. . . $59,000

Our full-size, modern gymnasium provides Basketball and other recreational programs for young people with an emphasis on gang intervention and prevention. Many high school aged kids and young adults spend many hours playing in this gym. Volunteer your time by coming down to teach a sport, play a pick up game or coach. Or donate any of the following: basketballs, basketball nets and hoops, indoor soccer balls and nets, kickballs, dodgeballs, volleyballs and sets, hockey sticks and nets.

Game Room .

The New Game Room features foosball, online gaming, air hockey, crafting and board games. Daily we have structured activities that offer youth to come in and be a kid by playing or crafting. Volunteer a day a week or daily with teaching a craft or activity. Come play board games or compete with our tournaments with the kids. Donate craft supplies, board games, switch games, air hockey table, foosball, or a subscription to Disney+.

Computer Lab - Youth & Adults

Our Computer Lab helps children develop their typing, learn basic computer skills, and research for homework. Last year, our computer lab received a software grant from Target which assists us in teaching financial literacy, digital responsibility,

science, technology and math. Volunteer to teach a class digital photography, digital design, coding, typing etc. Or donate software, virus protection, wireless keyboards and mice, and memory cards.

Teen Program

The Teen Program is a crucial after school program that offers teenagers 7th grade through high school a safe environment during peak hours of crime. Teens are mentored and given opportunities to volunteer and learn skills sets. During the summer teens are introduced to The Salvation Army Camp in Scotts Valley for summer employment opportunities. The Teen Room is a safe haven and a place to seek a personal relationship with a spiritual mentor. Volunteer to teach a class, activity, program or assist on Friday evening. Sponsorships are available for membership, camp, and the aquatic program. Donations of furniture, an X-Box, video games, a 70” smart television, laptops, game tables and a Netflix subscription are requested.

Children’s Nutrition Program . . . . . $41,400

We provide after-school nutritional snacks and a hot meal to children and teens five days a week. Volunteer once a month, week, day to come help prepare or pass out snack for the children. Donate snack items (no homemade, must be prepackaged).

Building Maintenance Staff . . . . . . $115,000

Our staff keeps the Red Shield Center looking good and maintains the many building systems. Professional vendors are contracted to perform regular preventative maintenance duties on all HVAC equipment, swimming pool equipment, and the roof, to name a few.

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