Mark King comes from a long line of Salvation Army officers. His great-grandparents served with the organization during the Depression, followed by his grandparents and his parents served as dedicated employees. King felt a calling to serve in 1990 and became a commissioned officer in the Salvation Army in June 1997.

King and his wife Monica, also a major with the organization, moved to Ogden a few months ago to take over operations at the Salvation Army Ogden Corps at 2635 Grant Avenue.

“I felt God leading me to serve full time with the Salvation Army in both a clergy and administrative role,” King said. “We’re responsible to help facilitate and organize our social services and outreach programs. I foster and strengthen community relationships with other organizations, corporate partners and retail partners.”

The Kings operate the Salvation Army’s food bank three days a week, providing food boxes, hygiene kits, household supplies, diapers and baby formula for families in need. A clothing closet is also available for those looking for winter clothing or clothes for work.

Last year, the Ogden location helped nearly 4,000 individuals and more than 3,200 families, distributing 6,683 food boxes, 131 packages of diapers, 623 hygiene items and more than 1,000 household items like dish soap and laundry detergent.

King appreciates community support for these donated items but asked that people be thoughtful about what they bring to the facility.

“We will not distribute or give away food items that are expired,” he said. “If we wouldn’t use them in our homes, we’re certainly not going to give them out to our clients. If you’re not eating it, you shouldn’t expect other people to.”

Known for its red kettles and bell ringers during the holiday season, the Salvation Army’s mission is rooted in service and compassion. As Christmas gets closer, the Kings want to provide toys and gifts for families who might be struggling to make ends meet this year. The Angel Tree program gives community members the opportunity to provide toys and gifts to 700 families in the area, which includes more than 2,000 children. 

Angel Trees can be found at several locations throughout Weber and Davis County including Smith’s Marketplace (2434 N. 400 East in North Ogden and 1370 W. 200 North in Kaysville), TL Floor & Design (1604 W. Hill Field Road in Layton), Hilton Garden Inn (2271 S. Washington in Ogden), Walmart (221 W. Parrish Lane in Centerville) and Manheim Utah (1650 W. 500 South in Woods Cross). 

Volunteers are always needed to raise money for Salvation Army programs by serving as bell ringers during the season. King said it’s a great way for organizations, individuals and families to provide a much-needed service.

“I’m really excited that this year Ogden High School and their student government are partnering with us with bell ringing,” he said. “They’re having an in-school competition where the classes will ring against each other. I had a floating trophy made that I will present at a student government meeting to the class who raises the most money to celebrate their hard work. The winning class gets bragging rights.”

Although the Kings are new to Utah, they are impressed with the welcome they’ve received from the community. 

“We’re excited to serve in Ogden,” King said. “We’ve met some really kind people. Other agencies have been very welcoming and supportive and quick to partner with us. We’re networking so we can fill the gaps and serve all of our friends and neighbors.”

For more information about the Salvation Army Ogden Corps, visit Ogden.Salvationarmy.org.