Salvation Army Sees Spike in Demand for Youth Programs

More than eight in 10 urban youth programs of the Salvation Army experienced rising demand last year as a result of the weak economy, according to a study released to the Associated Press.

The survey in 80 cities found that 56 percent of the charity’s camps, preschools, and day-care and after-school programs are operating at or over their capacity.

The report, “Growing Up in Downturn,” said that amid the rising demand, two-thirds of Salvation Army youth programs saw flat or declining donations last year, forcing many to close or scale back services.