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The driving rain on Thursday didn’t keep the Pike County Salvation Army board members and volunteers from stirring the stew, however, it did send some camp stew lovers to dry shelter.

Kim May, Pike County Salvation Army director, said the mid-winter camp stew sale was, again, successful in providing funding in support of the many programs offered through the local Salvation Army Service Center. However, in response to inquiries, the quarts of camp stew that were not sold are frozen and available for sale at the Salvation Army Service Center at 509 South Brundidge Street at the usual $10 a quart.

“Once thawed, the camp stew is as good as it was right out of the pot,” May said. “It can be picked up at the Service Center or we will reserve an order for those who call 808-1069.”

The Pike County Salvation Army advisory board met Tuesday and, in addition to the camp stew sale, discussed upcoming events including the Empty Bowls Luncheon Friday, April 17, at Bush Baptist Church.

“This will be our 11th annual Empty Bowls Luncheon, which is designed to bring greater awareness to worldwide hunger and to raise funds to support our local Salvation Army Food Bank that helps feed the hungry here at home,” May said. “The people of Pike County really do care and we greatly appreciate their support for our annual Empty Bowls Luncheon.”

May said there are several opportunities to support the Empty Bowls Luncheon.

“We need and greatly appreciate donations of soups, stews or chilies and desserts,” she said. “And volunteers the day of Empty Bowls are always needed.”

Tickets for Empty Bowls are $20 and include soups, crackers, desserts and a beverage.

“And, with each ticket, the holder can choose a bowl from the large selection of hand-made bowls to take home as a reminder of the many people around the world who go to bed hungry every night,” May said. “The soups are always delicious and everyone always looks forward to the fellowship of Empty Bowls.”

There will also be a selection of bowls in the silent auction that are handmade by local artists.

“Ed Whatley will be the featured entertainment for the 2020 Empty Bowls Luncheon and everyone really enjoys him,” May said. “Empty Bowls is a great way to help friends and neighbors in need. We encourage everyone to mark their calendars for Friday, April17 and help us make the 2020 Empty Bows Luncheon the most successful ever.”

There is a short-time, paid employment opportunity for a Pike County Salvation Army Red Kettle coordinator for the 2020 Christmas season. The time of employment will run about six weeks. For more information call May at 334-808-1069.