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The Salvation Army in Yuma, Ariz., invites the community for a swim.
More than 600 people participated in a free family fun day at Yuma’s new aquatic center, thanks to a partnership between the Yuma Corps, The Salvation Army Boys and Girls Clubs of Yuma County and community sponsors. Captains Jonathan and Vickie Harvey are the corps officers; Harvey is Yuma County coordinator.
By combining resources, these groups rented the aquatic facility for a Saturday morning. Local DJ, Jay Fox of Star 100.9 FM, broadcast his morning show live from the pool and invited families to come join in the fun. A team of 54 volunteers along with community sponsors J.C. Penney and Kohl’s provided free lunches and drinks and offered games that required adult/child participation.
Moonbeams, Sunbeams, Girl Guards and Adventure Corps leaders set up booths promoting their programs, and other community agencies also provided information.
Having met corps members at the event, two new families worshiped at the Yuma Corps on the following Sunday morning. As a result of personal invitations, each youth program also showed significant gains.
“God is at work in Yuma County,” said Harvey. “He continues to bless the ministry efforts of the corps as people are seeking hope during desperate times.”
The family fun day was a spin off from the corps’ monthly family night. Over the past two years the corps has seen an addition of more than 25 regular attendees.