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The Pike County Salvation Army welcomed Charles Windham and Mike Stone to its advisory board at its monthly meeting on Tuesday.

Kim May, Pike County Salvation Army director, said she is always excited to have new board members and is very appreciate of their willingness to serve.

“We all look forward to having Charles and Mike on the board,” May said. “Their contributions will be many and greatly appreciated.”

May said the Pike County Service Center and Thrift Store is back at regular working hours, from 9 a.m. until 4:45 p.m.  Monday through Friday and with a slight change from 10 a.m. until 4:45 p.m. on Saturday.

“We were closed for six weeks beginning in April and we had zero in our checking account,” she said. 

“I wondered if we could survive.”

However, May said the Thrift Store has done surprising well since reopening

“Thankfully, sales at the Thrift Store have be rather good and we certainly appreciate the support of our community,” she said. “We are up to $15,000 thanks to a generous grant from Lockheed Martin, donations and store sales. We ask for the community’s continuing support as we continue to deal with the effects of the coronavirus.”

The Salvation Army has also benefitted from funding from the CARES and Energy, Food and Shelter programs.

May said there are several decisions to be made that both promote the good works of the Salvation Army and support the non-profit organization financially.

“Plans are for the Annual Empty Bowls Luncheon fundraiser to be held on Friday, September 18 at Bush Baptist Church,” May said. “Even if the coronavirus is still around, we plan to have the Empty Bowls Luncheon. It is our second largest fundraiser and we depend on it for the services we provide.”

May said rather than dining in at Empty Bowls, orders will be taken, the bowls will be filled and served take-out style.

However, hopes are that conditions will be such that the Empty Bowls Luncheon will be a dine-in event and with the fellowship of friends and neighbors.

The Salvation Army’s Fall Camp Stew Sale is a go for the first week in November. Orders will be taken with pickup at the service center.

The greatest need at the Pike County Salvation Army at this time is a kettle coordinator or coordinators for the annual Red Kettle fundraising campaign, which is the Salvation Army’s largest fundraiser.

“We desperately need someone to assume this position,” May said.

“Anyone who has a heart for service qualifies. For more information, call the Pike County Service Center at 334-808-1069 or stop by 509 South Brundidge Street in Troy.