“We take the programs outside of the corps and into the community,” said Officer F. Lopez. He wears a short–sleeved, sky blue uniform shirt, but it is not a Salvation Army one. It’s the police uniform of Arecibo, Puerto Rico.

“There are people who don’t have transportation available,” Lopez says. Sitting next to him is Hernandez, another police officer. She nods in agreement. For the past 14 years, they have been conducting a “little league” program for kids, ages 7–17, in the town of Camuy. The program is supported by the Salvation Army’s Cuerpo y Centro Comunitario de Arecibo (Arecibo Corps and Community Center).

Sports such as baseball and soccer are offered, but the main attraction for kids is a marching band and drill team. “Some [youth] stay in the program even after age 17 because they become attached,” says Hernandez.

Lopez adds, “We receive good kids, as well as those who have problems with the law or with their parents—those who have disciplinary problems. We receive all kinds of kids into this program.”

The equipment and instruments are not comparable to those used by marching bands in the States. Nonetheless, 38 kids are on the waiting list to get into the program.

Last year, the town of Camuy celebrated its 200th birthday by sending the band to New York City to march in the Puerto Rican Day parade.

Lopez, who has seen more than 4,000 children come through the program, says The Salvation Army provides a spiritual presence that is greatly appreciated by the police officers and parents.

“I feel a lot of admiration for the Salvation Army’s pastoral mission and the fact that it offers services to people without discrimination,” he says. “… If we can work together, we can offer these kids an alternative, teaching them positive behavior and how to serve in our community.”