The Pike County Salvation Army in Troy will offer the Pike County community two opportunities to help make Christmas brighter for others this holiday season.

On Friday, elected officials in Pike County will ring Silver Bells for the Salvation Army throughout the day at Food World in Troy.

“This is the first time for our Silver Bells campaign and we are excited about this opportunity,” said Kim May, director Salvation Army Pike County. “And, we are excited to have our celebrity bell ringers and appreciate their support of the Salvation Army. They have hearts for people in Pike County who are experiencing difficult circumstances.”

The Silver Bell ringers are Brundidge Mayor Jimmy Ramage, Pike County Probate Judge Wes Allen, Pike County Circuit Clerk Jamie Scarbrough, Goshen Mayor Jack Waller, Troy Mayor Jason Reeves, State Rep. Alan Boothe and Banks Mayor Lisa Culpepper.

“We have another special Silver Bell ringer, Santa Claus,” May said. “He is taking time from his very busy schedule to ring the bell for the Pike County Salvation Army and we really thank him and all our bell ringers.”

The Silver Bells will ring from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Friday at Food World.

Then, on Saturday, the Pike County Salvation Army will help make Christmas a little more magical for children in need this year with its “Fill the Truck for Local Kids” campaign from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. at Wal-Mart in Troy.

“The Salvation Army truck will be at Wal-Mart for only one day and we are inviting people to help fill the truck with toys and coats for local boys and girls,” May said. “This is another ‘first’ for the Pike County Salvation Army. The people of our area have always been supportive of the Salvation Army’s efforts to make Christmas bright for children in need. The idea behind the ‘Fill the Truck’ campaign is to pick up a kid’s coat or toy while shopping and help fill the truck when you leave.”

May said that all of the funds that are raised by the Silver Bell ringers and the gifts that fill the truck will stay here in Pike County.

“When you give to the Pike County Salvation Army, you are helping people right here at home,” she said. “There are many needs, especially at this time of year, and we thank everyone who helps meet those needs through their support of the Pike County Salvation Army.”