KEVIN RAUCH/FOR THE EXPRESS Students taking part in the Project Hope After School Program take a break from their after school activities for a picture, along with the director and volunteers of the program. Pictured are, front row from left, Kalen Keller, Sophia Mansfield, Nolan Anthony, Kelsey Little, Jazzlynn Jackson, Avianna Patton and Maleki Herman. Row two, Tanner Thompson, Slade Thompson, Aaron Probst, Gianni Lowery, Ryker Yost, Kooper Swope, Jase Patton, Sarah Mansfield, Jaelyn Patton, Keeleigh Erickson and volunteer Robin Brown. Back row, volunteer Terri Hough and program director Donna Kshir.

KEVIN RAUCH/FOR THE EXPRESS
Avianna Patton taps her hand on Kalen Keller’s head as the group lets out some after school intensity in a fast-paced game of duck, duck, goose.

RENOVO — The Salvation Army Renovo Service Unit’s after school program returned with great success.

Students from kindergarten through fifth grade went back to Renovo Elementary School recently and had the opportunity to take part in the program — which features a new director.

Donna Kshir has been tapped as the new Project Hope After School Program Director. With a cap of 35 kids, the program has 34 signed up and attending regularly. The cap of 35 is set based on the number of volunteers the program has assisting Kshir. They have all been thrilled to have such a great turnout.

“It’s been fantastic, when we walked in the first day and all 34 kids showed up it was overwhelming and exciting at the first. But we started a routine and things fell into place pretty quickly,” Kshir said of the instant success. “I realized that we had to first get the kids together and have them get the wiggly, jigglys out. We’ll dance or have circle time and that sets the tone for the rest of the day to be productive.”

The program is open to any student and has regular, daily volunteers Terri Hough, Robin Brown and Bucktail senior Hanna Youells, that allows them to offer the 35 openings. Gail White, Martha Sykes and Cindy Pierce also volunteer. More always welcome if they pass the proper clearances.

The school bus drops the students off from Renovo Elementary School and parents pick their kids up at 5:30 p.m., a time that Kshir said was intentional. The schedule allows parents that work until 5 p.m. enough time to get off work before picking up their children.

The pillars of the program are to assist the students with homework and enrich activities for academic improvement, provide spiritual and fellowship opportunities for area youth and to reduce food insecurities as they promote healthy eating.

Kshir set up stations and a typical day sees the kids put their backpacks away, wash their hands, say a blessing, and then head to circle time or a various station. Circle time is set up to help get some excitement of the kids who just got out of school and features “Roger” the turtle being passed around.

Whoever has Roger — aptly named after Kshir’s husband — can share a story or make about whatever announcement that they would like.

“Circle time has become my favorite station,” Kshir said with a smile. She added that she feels it helps to unify the group.

Other stations offer reading, homework assistance, puzzles, coloring and activities along those lines.

Kshir was previously a teacher’s aid and has spent years in children’s advocacy. She said dealing with kids daily has been a lifelong mission.

“I’ve always been around kids, this has been a great experience and I cannot say enough about the volunteers. This wouldn’t be working the way that it is, with so many students, without them. Terri Hough is like my right hand, she’s wonderful,” Kshir said.

Salvation Army Office/Program Coordinator and Caseworker Robin Davenport explained that the unit in Renovo has a total of 55 volunteers; a number that she said is truly a blessing.

“They’re all awesome; we’ve been able to do so much because of them,” she said.

Davenport did explain that the Renovo Unit is in dire need of sponsorship. With no large business having headquarters in Renovo, donations are received and appreciated. But more are always needed.

“When we are out ringing the bells, that’s pretty much what supports us. We can always use toilet paper, paper towels, donations. God always keeps us going, but we’re always looking to being able to have the ability to secure being able to help the community,” Davenport summed up.