“Empty Bowls” don’t feed the hungry but the Pike County Salvation Army’s annual Soup and Stew luncheon fills many empty bowls.

Kim May, director of the Pike County Salvation Army, said the annual Empty Bowl event provides funds to feed the hungry and brings the community together in the effort.

“Each year, we ask members of the community to make bowls that will be sold for $20 each at the Empty Bowls luncheon,” May said. “We also ask some of those who have achieved ‘celebrity’ status in the community to make bowls that will be sold to the highest bidder.

“We are looking for volunteers who will make bowls for the Empty Bowls fundraiser.” The bowls can be made at the Colley Senior Complex or at Troy University. Janet Motes, director of the senior center at 334-808-8500, and Dr. Marian Parker, Troy University at 335-808-6253, are the contacts for those who would like to participate.

“Making bowls is a lot of fun and is also a way to get the community involved in this fundraiser,” May said. “We also have bowls made and donated by members of the Colley Senior Complex and by artists who participate in the Alabama Clay Conference.”

The Empty Bowls fundraiser will be from 11 until 2 p.m. Feb. 24 in the fellowship hall of Bush Memorial Baptist Church in Troy.

Those who attend may choose their bowls for a $20 donation and then enjoy the soup and stew luncheon.

“We will have a variety of soups and camp stew, chili and gumbo,” May said. “For dessert, there will be bread pudding, pound cake and butter pecan and sweet potato cakes. All of the funds raised by Empty Bowls will go to feed the hungry here in Pike County.

“There are many faces to the hungry here at home — the elderly, the sick, those who are out of work and those living on very limited incomes. There are always emergencies that cause extreme hardships on people. So there are more empty bowls on tables in Pike County than you would imagine.”

To assist with the Empty Bowl fundraiser or for more information, call May at 334-808-1069.