When Hurricane Isaac made landfall in Plaquemines Parish in the early morning hours of Aug. 29, the Salvation Army stood ready to help.

As of Sept. 9, the Salvation Army had served more than 71,335 hot meals and 129,545 snacks and drink. Staff members and trained volunteers had worked 14,855 hours of service and had provided more than 2,600 individuals with emotional and spiritual care.

Kim May, director of the Salvation Army Service Center in Troy, told the Center’s advisory board Tuesday that they can take pride in being a part of an organization that responds when disaster strikes.

“Nearly 30 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through a wide range of services from the providing of food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance to the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children,” May said.

May said these same services are provided on the local level and the money that is raised in the Pike County area benefits those in need in the area.

“We are here to serve our community,” she said.

But service comes with a price tag.

“So, we are always looking for ways to raise the money needed to help the people of our community,” May said. “The Salvation Army Thrift Store is a main source of revenue for us. We have a very nice store and all of the merchandise is of good quality and is attractively displayed. And, it is priced to sell.”

At this time, sales are up at the Thrift Store because of the season change.

“We always do well when the seasons change,” May said. “We have a good selection of clothing items and at great prices. But a lot of people have never been in our store.”

In an effort, to introduce more people to the Salvation Army Thrift Store, May said the store will host a Pike County Chamber of Commerce after-hours in the near future.

But right now, the Salvation Army in Troy is shifting into fundraising mode as it gears up for the holiday seasons as well as winter.

“We are having our annual camp stew sale a month earlier this year,” May said. “Again, we are selling Carter Sanders’ famous camp stew. Carter has the reputation of making some of the best camp stew anywhere.”

Tickets are available now at the Salvation Army Service Center at 509 South Brundidge Street for $10 a quart. The camp stew will be ready for pickup on Oct. 4 at the Salvation Army Service Center.

“We are also beginning to get ready for our annual Red Kettle campaign that kicks off in November,” May said. “We always need volunteer bell ringers. We never have enough. So, we want to encourage clubs, organizations, churches, schools and individuals to be bell ringers for the Salvation Army this year. The dollars that are collected help friends and neighbors and there are many people right here in Pike County who are in need.”

For more information about the Salvation Army or to make a donation, contact May at the service center or call 334-808-1069.