Tis the season for rising utility bills, and the Salvation Army Service Center in Troy is the place many people who need financial assistance go.

Kim May, center director, said she is beginning to see a marked increase in requests for assistance with utility bills and expects even more as the summer progresses.

“This is also the ‘season’ when we receive more requests for assistance with rent,” May said. “The higher the utility bills go, the more difficult it is for some people to pay their rent and their utility bills. They often have to make a choice.”

All requests for assistance with utility bills and rent must be made by appointment.

“Fortunately, business at the Salvation Army Service Center is good,” she said. “The store has been ‘spruced up’ and is very inviting. Everybody wants nice things, and the items that we offer for sale are nice items. We have a lot of name brand clothing, and everything that we put out is in good condition. More people are beginning to know that they can get good items at good prices at the Salvation Army Thrift Store in Troy.”

Donations are also up and that’s an indication that people recognize the good works that the Salvation Army does in the local community.

“This summer our service center is sending two young people to Camp Hidden Lake in Mississippi,” May said. “We try to send those who really want to go and will benefit from the experience. It’s just a matter of them filling out an application that is available here at the Thrift Store. The Salvation Army is a Christian outreach ministry and Camp Hidden Lake is a Christian camp. We are proud to be able to send kids from our community.”

Scott Flowers, a member of the local Salvation Army advisory board, said his experience with the Salvation Army goes back to his military service.

“The Salvation Army was there for us every time we needed them,” he said. “I will never forget their kindnesses. I want to give back something to the organization that was there for me, and I’m proud to serve on the board and do what I can to further the organization’s mission.”

David “Doc” Kirby said his interest in serving is founded in the mission of the Salvation Army.

“The Salvation Army is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church and its message is based on the Bible,” Kirby said.