The Pike County Salvation Army’s Red Kettle campaign could have been a washout this Christmas season. Rainy, cold and windy weather threatened to put a damper on the annual fundraising campaign but, the generosity of the people in the Pike County Salvation Army’s service area, made the 2018 Red Kettle campaign the most successful ever.

Kim May, director of the Pike County Salvation Army Service Center, said when all of the donations were counted the campaign raised a record-setting $55,880.84.

“We prayed every day,” May told the members of the center’s advisory board, Tuesday.

“The weather was awful, especially on what we expect to be our best days, the day after Thanksgiving and Saturdays. It just seemed like we couldn’t have a good weather day. The rain didn’t stop but people didn’t stop giving. And, we are so thankful. The funds that are raised through the annual Red Kettle Campaign are used to help people right here at home, our friends and neighbors in need.”

May said the Red Kettle sponsors played a big role in the success of the 2018 Red Kettle Campaign.

She expressed appreciation to the Red Kettle sponsors: Sanders Lead, First National Bank/Brundidge, KW Plastics, Dennis Griffith, Pike County Board of Realtors, Troy Bank & Trust, Troy Kiwanis, Horn Beverage, H&R Block, Golden Boy Nut, Corporation, Army Aviation, Beckett Insurance, Otis and Lucy Stone, Cahaba Bank, Jay Shirley, PeeWee’s Towing, Greenhill’s Funeral Home, Greenhill’s Cemetery, Troy Rotary Club, Troy Exchange Cub, Woodmen Life Eufaula and Woodmen Life, Brantley.

“This year, we had more Red Kettle sponsors, more large donations and more bell ringers,” May said. “We had two kettle sponsors in Eufaula and two in Luverne. And, we had bell ringers from churches, schools, businesses, organizations, clubs and individuals.”

May also expressed appreciation to the Pike County Salvation Army’s advisory board for its untiring efforts throughout the fundraising campaign.

“We thank everyone who made this Red Kettle campaign such a great success,” she said. “Our extended community was very generous in its giving. The more funds we raise the more people we are able to help and the needs are many.”