Estevan's new Salvation Army officers are bringing enthusiasm and a desire to help the less fortunate to the community.

Lieutenants Brian and June Bobolo started with the Estevan Salvation Army on July 3. Estevan is their first posting since they graduated from the organization's training college.  The community and its people have already made a favourable first impression.

“Lots of people have been coming up to us and saying 'hi,'” said Brian. “Wherever we go, people say 'hi,' so it's a really nice experience having that.”

They also recognize that Estevan's Salvation Army is very active. They serve a lot of families through their food bank, and they expect the number of food bank clients to increase due to the influx of people for the city.

Some food bank users are families who have relocated to the community, and won't be receiving a paycheck for two or three weeks, so they need a little assistance to purchase food.

The thrift store also helps out a lot of people, they said. It also provides the lieutenants with an opportunity to meet people and build relationships.

The Bobolos have also received advice from the previous officers, Majors Len and Ros Millar, on what the Bobolos can expect in Estevan.

“They've been talking … about the needs in the community, and the needs that the army has always been trying to address,” said Bobolo. “Len had a real heart for what happens in Estevan.”

Both of them have been members of the Salvation Army for more than 14 years. They say they enjoy the church, its traditions and its mission to meet the needs of the people where they serve.

The Bobolos have volunteered in many capacities through the Salvation Army's different ministries. A few years ago, they felt the call to be lieutenants.

“We just want to be a transforming influence in this community,” said June. “We're new lieutenants and we're excited to be here.”

One donation has already come in since the Bobolos arrival. Clifton's No Frills donated $1,248 through their Smile Campaign. That money will be used to purchase items for the food bank. That's good news, they said, since the food banks shelves are fairly empty, and they're going to need donations of food and money so that the food bank can meet the demands of the summer months.