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The Annual Empty Bowls Luncheon fundraiser for the Pike County Salvation Army is a go for Friday, September 18 at Bush Baptist Church.

The non-profit organization’s advisory board met Tuesday and, after thoughtful discussion, discarded the idea of adding a drive-thru option to the annual fundraiser and decided it will be “Empty Bowls, as usual.”

Kim May, Pike County Salvation Army director, said there were just too many how to’s and what if’s with the addition of a drive-thru option.

“Empty Bowls is our second largest fundraiser, next to our Red Kettle Campaign,” May said. “This year, we have been challenged by COVID-19. In response, we moved the date of Empty Bowls from April to September.

“Even though the coronavirus still a concern, we believe that, with all of the safeguards in place, Empty Blows will, once again, have the support of our community.”

Empty Bowls 2020 will be “as usual” but also with a take-out option that will also include “taking home” a handmade clay “empty” bowl as a reminded that thousands of people around the world go to bed hungry each night.

May said Empty Bowls 2020 will offer the same, popular choices of soups, chilies, stews and chowders as well as the desserts, breads and beverages that have made the Empty Bowls Luncheon such a success over the years.

“For those who choose to dine in, we will practice social distancing,” May said. “There will be hand sanitizers at the tables where the clay bowls are displayed for selection and also at the bid bowls’ table.

“And, as usual, we will live entertainment during the lunch hours from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. So, we are looking forward to another successful Empty Bowls luncheon. The funds raised make it possible for the Pike County Salvation Army to do more to help our friends and neighbors in their times of need.”

Sponsorships for Empty Bowls 2020 are available, beginning at $100. For more information or to be a Pike County Salvation Army Empty