Published: April 17, 2009 01:34 pm         

Onward Christian soldier ...

Young is working to bring focus to projects Salvation Army operates throughout year

Clark Young has been volunteering his time and energy around the community for years, serving on several volunteer organization boards and helping those in need.

“I’ve been on United Way board, Enid Symphony board, Rotary board, several boards at First Presbyterian Church, Habitat for Humanity board and the Hospice Circle of Love board,” said Young.

Young said doing charity and volunteer work is his call as a Christian.

“All these organizations seem to have a common thread — being good Christians and helping other people. I am fortunate to have the time. My employer lets me have time. Not everyone has the time or is willing to do it. I am always over there signing things and for meetings. I probably put 10 or 15 hours a week. It is a good outlet for my extra time. I think it is your duty as a Christian if you have the time and means to help other people,” said Young.

Currently, Young is serving as chairman of the Salvation Army advisory board, for which he is focusing on programs to help those in need.

“I’ve been on the Salvation Army Advisory Board for seven years. My main focus has been with all the activities they do in the community,” said Young.

Young is trying to bring focus to Salvation Army’s projects throughout the year.

“I think sometimes people only think about things about the Salvation Army at Christmastime, but they have a shoe program to provide shoes to kids who can’t afford to get new shoes at the beginning of school. They help people in prison with counseling programs. Salvation Army also does a lot of disaster relief. People don’t really think about the Salvation Army, about what all they do,” said Young.

The Salvation Army also has other projects that Young doesn’t believe gain enough attention.

“There has been studies about transitional housing, and there is a need here. The Salvation Army is really the only entity in the town that provides transitional housing,” said Young. “The last couple of years we have been working on Enid Home Energy Fund. We are asking companies and individuals to help donate to it. Salvation Army tries to give them a hand up not a handout. We try to help them in their situation,” said Young.

One of the next projects Salvation Army is getting ready for is a summer camp for local kids.

“We try to send at least 35 kids from the community. We have a brand new ropes course and a music conservatory,” Young said. “They get to do lots of things they might not get to do otherwise. It is a top-notch facility. It is a neat opportunity.”