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Amy Wilcox is no chicken when it comes to being a crossing guard in Provo.

Courtesy Amy Wilcox

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Crossing guard Amy Wilcox in one of her many costumes.

Courtesy Amy Wilcox

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Amy Wilcox says she has six children, but ask any parent or child who crosses the street to go to Edgemont Elementary School in Provo and they will say she has hundreds.

Wilcox is the crossing guard at 3450 N. Canyon Road — and you can’t miss her. She wears a costume about three times a week and through the entire months of October and December and a whole week for Dr. Seuss’ birthday in March.

“My paycheck isn’t a paycheck, it’s a costume fund,” Wilcox said. “My favorite is from Christmas. I played ‘name that song’ with the kids. One time I was ‘Grandma Got Ran Over by a Reindeer’ and had reindeer tracks going up my shirt.”

Wilcox started her crossing guard job in the fall of 2019. “It has been an interesting thing to do,” she said. “I even wave and smile at the drivers passing by.”

Wilcox said she started waving and smiling because she saw so many sad faces behind the steering wheels passing by. Now they know to slow down. There are some drivers who come her way just to get a smile before work.

Wilcox has received many thank you letters and notes. She has lots of stories from people.

The first year as a crossing guard, Wilcox said a lady wrote her a letter and card. “She’d been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and didn’t feel worthy to have that kindness shown her. Now she sees the power in it, a smile.”

“Last year, a man was struggling because his son committed suicide,” Wilcox said. “He said he knew he would get smiles (if he drove past). I got him through the tough times.”

It’s also been beneficial to her own mental health.

“The past couple of years, I’ve struggled with depression. Getting out in the community has helped me,” she said.

Jana Lee Holland, public information officer for the Provo Police Department, said that the department is well aware of Wilcox and the wonderful things she is doing.

“As with many other cities throughout the county, hiring and retaining dependable crossing guards hasn’t always been easy. The short hours, seasonal weather changers, inattentive or angry drivers, and the typically low pay have all contributed to hiring lulls,” Holland said. “Our crossing guards are invaluable — they literally stand outside every day, rain or shine, ready to watch over and protect our community’s children from hazards.”

Wilcox is just the type of crossing guard the police department is looking for. She works about 10 hours a week and started at about $8 an hour. That wage has changed over the past four years and she is now making $15 an hour, most of it still going to costumes.

Parents recognize Wilcox’ efforts. “I was amazed that she pretty much knew every single child’s name who came her way,” said Michelle Johnson, a neighborhood resident. “She loves spreading happiness to everyone.”

Wilcox is a force for good and the kids know it. “I absolutely love the kids. They have a safe place and I let the kids know that. I’m an extra mom,” she said.

Wilcox says she isn’t adverse to have costumes loaned to her, but as a government employee she can’t take money. Her costumes can be seen on her Instagram page at https://www.instagram.com/happiest.corner.