Shelia Whitehead is a frequent shopper at The Salvation Army and Christian Mission and during her visits, she sees more than a handful of people come in requesting help.

"People have called or come in asking for diapers or help with electricity or phone, and there hasn't been enough to cover their needs," she said.

So, instead of being a bystander, Whitehead decided to do something about it.

Whitehead, along with the help of Helen McLaney of Shout of Jericho, will put out donation boxes and food bins around Troy today to collect cash donations and non-perishable items for families in need.

"I don't fault people for being down," Whitehead said. "We've all been down at one point or another.

This drive is just to help the people in Pike County who need it."

Michelle Johnson, who is the manager of Christian Mission, said the food drive is badly needed.

"A lot of people come in needing food and clothes," she said. "We need this help real bad."

At the end of the two-week collection, the items will be divided between The Salvation Army and Christian Mission.

Daphne Lee, the director of The Salvation Army store in downtown Troy, said the drive will help the store provide more for the people who come in looking for help.

"People are all the time asking for help to pay for their utility bills and buy food," she said. "And diapers, people always need diapers and we don't have any."

Lee said The Salvation Army helps people who are passing through or have just moved to the area and it also helps pay prescription and utility expenses.

"We've non-profit and except for our overhead, everything goes back to the people," she said.

"The more money we have, the more people we can help."

To cap off the two-week food drive, Whitehead said an additional fundraiser will be held at the square in downtown Troy on July 19.

She said there will be games for the kids and shopping for the adults, as well as hot dogs and hamburgers for the whole family.

Artist Janeann Anderson will also be there to draw pastel portraits for $10. Anderson said she will give a portion of her proceeds to The Salvation Army and Christian Mission.

Whitehead said needed items for the food drive include hygiene items; diapers; canned fruits, vegetables and meat; and beauty products. Items can be dropped off at

Food World, Winn Dixie, IGA and Ingram's Curb Market.