program.

In time, Rogers established a charitable organization called Payson Community Kids (PCK) and she enlisted a team of dedicated volunteers. By 2006, with things growing strong, people were referring to the non-profit as “Marcy’s Kids.”

This past December the community was surprised and saddened by the death of Marcy Rogers. Things looked bleak for the organization, but the children and volunteers decided to keep their chin up and go ahead with the Christmas party they had long been planning.

Interim Director and PCK Board President Suzy Tubbs said that the party was a huge success, with some 73 children in attendance. However, the joy of the holiday celebration was mingled with sadness.

With a sigh, Tubbs recalled the words of one of the children, “what’s going to happen to us now?”

PCK board members realized the importance of keeping the program alive, but also recognized that some changes were needed.

Part of their “new direction” the board foresaw included the dream of expanding their facility with the construction of a new building.

That would mean additional fundraising and an increase in volunteer support. Though there is still a ways to go, they are beginning to see results.

Within 24 hours of hearing of their need for a new structure, local architect Bernie Lieder produced a site plan. The 32 x 28 foot modular building provides space for 41 occupants.

“On average, we currently have 24 kids who attend the program on a regular basis,” Tubbs stated.

“But our current building will only facilitate six children inside at a time, so 18 of them have to be outside. It is difficult in the winter when it’s cold,” she explained.

Tubbs hopes to have the new community center building completed by the end of the school year, before the warm weather really begins. By then she hopes to have enlisted additional volunteers, to have a new director, and to be able to successfully continue the program.

An average afternoon at the center starts with a snack, followed by homework and tutoring. These exertions are followed by enjoyable activities including face painting, crafts, and basketball.

Tubbs shows her dedication to the center by giving up her lunch hour each day at her regular job so that she can spend Wednesdays with the kids.

“Some days are very discouraging with all that we have to do to rebuild ourselves, but I soon realized that when I’m with the kids, that’s when I’m at my happiest,” she said.

Tubbs’ devotion to the children began ten years ago when she met Marcy Rogers. Her daughter brought home a young friend one afternoon and was asked by the girl’s mother if she could watch her daughter for a few hours while she went to Phoenix. A few hours turned into a few days, and Tubbs was at a loss as to what to do for the girl. That’s when she was introduced to Rogers. The two hit it off, and soon Tubbs found herself volunteering at the organization. She became a board member in 2005, and by 2007 became the vice-president at PCK.

Feeling a loyalty for her mentor, Tubbs has taken over as director until a replacement can be found.

“Marcy was always kind to me. She was kind to everyone. When I was sick she came and sat with me,” she said.

Tubbs explained that Rogers always recognized a need in the community and would not turn down any impoverished family. Many of the children in the PCK program have single parents who rely on income from two or three jobs to provide for their family. Because the town lacks an institution like the YMCA, and the expense of childcare can be prohibitive for families in dire straits, PCK has become a real blessing for those in need. In many cases, the kids simply have nowhere else to go.

Tubbs can relate to these problems; she relies on her current full-time job to support her family. She is hoping to find a director soon who can love and care for the children at PCK as much as she and Rogers have. The position is 20 hours per week, and the applicant is required to pass a background and fingerprint check. Those interested can send a resume to paysoncommunitykids@gmail.com.

Currently, PCK is only operating one day a week, but with a new director they hope to be open three to five days a week. Regulations have also changed, and they are only able to take in children ages 6-18.

Besides finding a new director, the organization is also focusing on fundraising. They were recently able to raise $3,000 through garage sales, much of the money coming from straight donations. Because of the success of the garage sales, PCK has asked for working-age kids to take part in these ventures.

Tubbs explained that they would help the kids find donated garage sale items. PCK simply asks that they donate 50% of the profits from the garage sales to a charitable organization within the community.

“The kids are very excited about it, and also about the fact that they are doing something good,” she said.

Tubbs is hopeful about the construction of a new building at the PCK facility.

“If everyone in the community would donate just $3 for our cause, we could have our entire building cost paid for,” she figures.

PCK is planning a dinner theater fundraiser on April 17, but this week you can help out by participating in a benefit hosted by Down the Street Art Gallery on March 5, from 5 to 8 p.m. The gallery will donate 50 percent of their proceeds to the center.

In addition, PCK will be having a bake sale in front of Safeway on March 27. Any donated baked items would be appreciated. If you miss them there, you can catch them at the Spring Rodeo, where they are planning something special to raise funds for the cause.


New hope for Payson Community Kids Payson Community Kids rises above misfortune 03/03/10

	By Mitzi Brabb Envision the heartbreak you would feel upon finding a three-year-old girl wandering around alone at night. Imagine welcoming her into your home, and realizing that she is not the only unfortunate child in your town facing a life of loneliness and misfortune. That exact scenario happened to Marcy Rogers 14 years ago. Because of the compassion she felt for these at-risk children, she determined to make a place for them by creating an after school

		Volunteer Music Director Katy Rovetto rehearses with some of the Payson Community Kids in preparation for their dinner theater performance in April.


	program. In time, Rogers established a charitable organization called Payson Community Kids (PCK) and she enlisted a team of dedicated volunteers. By 2006, with things growing strong, people were referring to the non-profit as “Marcy’s Kids.” This past December the community was surprised and saddened by the death of Marcy Rogers. Things looked bleak for the organization, but the children and volunteers decided to keep their chin up and go ahead with the Christmas party they had long been planning. Interim Director and PCK Board President Suzy Tubbs said that the party was a huge success, with some 73 children in attendance. However, the joy of the holiday celebration was mingled with sadness. With a sigh, Tubbs recalled the words of one of the children, “what’s going to happen to us now?” PCK board members realized the importance of keeping the program alive, but also recognized that some changes were needed. Part of their “new direction” the board foresaw included the dream of expanding their facility with the construction of a new building. That would mean additional fundraising and an increase in volunteer support. Though there is still a ways to go, they are beginning to see results. Within 24 hours of hearing of their need for a new structure, local architect Bernie Lieder produced a site plan. The 32 x 28 foot modular building provides space for 41 occupants. “On average, we currently have 24 kids who attend the program on a regular basis,” Tubbs stated. “But our current building will only facilitate six children inside at a time, so 18 of them have to be outside. It is difficult in the winter when it’s cold,” she explained. Tubbs hopes to have the new community center building completed by the end of the school year, before the warm weather really begins. By then she hopes to have enlisted additional volunteers, to have a new director, and to be able to successfully continue the program. An average afternoon at the center starts with a snack, followed by homework and tutoring. These exertions are followed by enjoyable activities including face painting, crafts, and basketball. Tubbs shows her dedication to the center by giving up her lunch hour each day at her regular job so that she can spend Wednesdays with the kids. “Some days are very discouraging with all that we have to do to rebuild ourselves, but I soon realized that when I’m with the kids, that’s when I’m at my happiest,” she said. Tubbs’ devotion to the children began ten years ago when she met Marcy Rogers. Her daughter brought home a young friend one afternoon and was asked by the girl’s mother if she could watch her daughter for a few hours while she went to Phoenix. A few hours turned into a few days, and Tubbs was at a loss as to what to do for the girl. That’s when she was introduced to Rogers. The two hit it off, and soon Tubbs found herself volunteering at the organization. She became a board member in 2005, and by 2007 became the vice-president at PCK. Feeling a loyalty for her mentor, Tubbs has taken over as director until a replacement can be found. “Marcy was always kind to me. She was kind to everyone. When I was sick she came and sat with me,” she said. Tubbs explained that Rogers always recognized a need in the community and would not turn down any impoverished family. Many of the children in the PCK program have single parents who rely on income from two or three jobs to provide for their family. Because the town lacks an institution like the YMCA, and the expense of childcare can be prohibitive for families in dire straits, PCK has become a real blessing for those in need. In many cases, the kids simply have nowhere else to go. Tubbs can relate to these problems; she relies on her current full-time job to support her family. She is hoping to find a director soon who can love and care for the children at PCK as much as she and Rogers have. The position is 20 hours per week, and the applicant is required to pass a background and fingerprint check. Those interested can send a resume to paysoncommunitykids@gmail.com. Currently, PCK is only operating one day a week, but with a new director they hope to be open three to five days a week. Regulations have also changed, and they are only able to take in children ages 6-18. Besides finding a new director, the organization is also focusing on fundraising. They were recently able to raise $3,000 through garage sales, much of the money coming from straight donations. Because of the success of the garage sales, PCK has asked for working-age kids to take part in these ventures. Tubbs explained that they would help the kids find donated garage sale items. PCK simply asks that they donate 50% of the profits from the garage sales to a charitable organization within the community. “The kids are very excited about it, and also about the fact that they are doing something good,” she said. Tubbs is hopeful about the construction of a new building at the PCK facility. “If everyone in the community would donate just $3 for our cause, we could have our entire building cost paid for,” she figures. PCK is planning a dinner theater fundraiser on April 17, but this week you can help out by participating in a benefit hosted by Down the Street Art Gallery on March 5, from 5 to 8 p.m. The gallery will donate 50 percent of their proceeds to the center. In addition, PCK will be having a bake sale in front of Safeway on March 27. Any donated baked items would be appreciated. If you miss them there, you can catch them at the Spring Rodeo, where they are planning something special to raise funds for the cause.