Pike County United Way serves 17 charitable agencies in Pike County.

The Organized Community Action Program (OCAP) in Troy is one of the agencies supported by Pike County United Way and OCAP has found a way to return the favor.

“At OCAP, we join Wanda Moultry, our executive director, in the belief that we should give back to our community,” said Cindy Hinton, OCAP services director. “Through our payroll deduction plan, we are able to make annual donations to the Pike County United Way, St. Jude Children’s Hospital and Pike County Relay for Life.”

The donations that OCAP in Troy makes to these three organizations are strictly from the OCAP employees, no federal dollars are involved.

Hinton said OCAP is looking forward to participating in the Pike County United Way’s “Taste of Chili Cook-Off” fund-raiser on Sept. 24 at the Colley Senior Complex.

“We want to do our part in helping raise funds for the Pike County United Way,” she said. “We are excited about the chili cook-off. It’s a lot of fun and it’s a good way for the community to learn which local agencies are supported by United Way and what services each of the agencies provide. Most all of us are touched in some way by one or more of these agencies.”

Hinton said the funds that OCAP receives from the Pike County United Way are used for emergency services, as they are needed.

“These funds are used specifically for emergency needs that arise,” she said. “And, we do have many emergency situations throughout the year.”

Each of the 17 agencies supported by Pike County United Way will have a specific function at the Chili Cook-off. OCAP will take the lead on the 50/50 raffle.

“The raffle tickets are $1 each and each agency will have 100 tickets to sell,” Hinton said. “The winner of the raffle will split the donations 50/50 with Pike County United Way. So, the winner should get around $800 or more. You do not have to be present to win.”

Raffle tickets are available by calling Hinton at (334) 566-1712, or from any United Way board member or agency.

“We encourage everyone to make plans to attend the Chili Cook-off from 5:30 until 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 24,” Hinton said. “It’s a fun night and a great way to support the United Way.”