What most people know about the Salvation Army is that they ring the bells during the Christmas season. The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign is its largest fundraiser and the funds raised assist Pike Countians in many different ways, including sending kids to summer camp.

“Each year, the Pike County Salvation Army takes applications for kids to go to Camp Hidden Lake,” said Kim May, director of the local Salvation Army. “This year, we had four applicants and they are all going to camp. Camp Hidden Lake is an outstanding summer camp and gives a lot kids a chance to go to camp, who wouldn’t have that opportunity otherwise. We are proud to offer this opportunity to local kids.”

May said the food pantry at the Salvation Army Service Center on South Brundidge Street is better stocked for summer than usual.

“The post offices in Troy and Banks donated the canned food collected though the 24th annual National Letter Carriers’ Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive in May to the Pike County Salvation Army,” May said. “They donated about 5,000 pounds of canned food to the service center. It was greatly needed and greatly appreciated. We certainly want to thank them.”

The 2016 Empty Bowls Luncheon fundraiser netted $11,138 for the service center and that money will be used to assist with needs during the summer months.

“There are a lot of elderly people who are living on fixed incomes,” May said. “When the weather is extremely hot, they often have difficulty paying their utility bills and come to the Salvation Army for assistance. The funds from Empty Bowls will help meet these needs.”

May said the 2017 Empty Bowls fundraiser will have a new twist.

“We are going to do things a little differently including having a country music band play during the lunch,” she said. “It’s always good to do something a little different, so we’re considering several new things.”

The Pike County Salvation Army Service Center’s Thrift Store has a variety of clothing and miscellaneous items in stock and donations are always needed and appreciated.

“The Salvation Army is here to serve the people of Pike County,” May said. “I want to remind everyone that when they donate items to the Pike County Salvation Army Thrift Store or make a donation to the Service Center, they are helping their friends and neighbors.”