WTBF Radio in downtown Troy hosted a food drive for the Pike County Salvation Army Friday morning and the community response was almost overwhelming, said Richard Gilchrist, general manager.

“We got started around 6:30 Friday morning and people were so generous, not only with canned goods, but also with monetary donations. Golden Boy Foods donated 25 cases of peanut butter and that will benefit a lot of people.”

Gilchrist said the food drive was so successful that WTBF will make it an annual event.

“The food drive was the result of the radio staff putting its heads together to do something to benefit the community during the holidays,” he said. “Donations to the Salvation Army benefit people in the local community. WTBF would like to thank all of those that supported our food drive and those who gave monetary donations that will be used to assist with other needs in the community.”

Gilchrist said WTBF will continue to accept donations all next week at its studio on West Court Square. Donations to the Salvation Army are tax deductible.

Kim May, Pike County Salvation Army director, expressed appreciation to WTBF for is continuing support.

“WTBF has always been a big help to us and we want to thank them for sponsoring the food drive,” May said. “We always need food and donations at this time of the year. WTBF will have another food drive for us on December 15 and we thank them in advance for that.”

May said kettle collections are down.

“The weather is a factor, I’m sure,” she said. “We could sure use a Saturday without rain. And we also need bell ringers. But we’ll keep going as best we can.”

Bell ringers are greatly needed. Church groups and organizations often take blocks of time and that is a huge benefit, May said. Those who would like to volunteer are encouraged to call May at 808-1069.