The upcoming Empty Bowls Luncheon was the focus of the program at the Brundidge Rotary Club Wednesday.

Donna McLaney, who is a volunteer with the Pike County Salvation Army, told the Rotarians that the monies raised at the Empty Bowl Luncheon on Feb. 22 will help feed the hungry in Pike County.

“Every day, we have people who come to the Salvation Army in need of food,” McLaney said. “Some days, we’ll have one and other days several. So, there are many people in our county wwho are hungry.”

McLaney said the Empty Bowls Luncheon is an annual event for the Pike County Salvation Army and the Salvation Army service center depends on it to replenish its food pantry.

“Tickets for the luncheon are $20 and those who purchase a ticket get to choose a handmade pottery bowl and also get to enjoy a soup lunch with bread and dessert,” she said. “Some of the bowls are made by professional artists at the annual Clay Conference. Others are made by university students and, this year, art students at Pike County High School made bowls for the luncheon. We also have bowls made by local citizens and local celebrities.”

The 2013 Empty Bowls luncheon will be from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Bush Memorial Baptist Church fellowship hall. Tickets may be purchased at the Salvation Army Thrift Store and Service Center on South Brundidge Street in Troy.

McLaney is also the Pike County Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign coordinator. She took the opportunity to express appreciation to the Brundidge Rotarians for their continued support of the annual fundraiser for the Salvation Army.

“As bell ringers for our Red Kettle campaign in 2012, the Brundidge Rotary Club collected $1,012. 64 and that was tremendous,” McLaney said.

Ben Busbee, program host, thanked McLaney for the opportunity to be a part of such a worthwhile event.

“As a bell ringer, it often seems that those who are least able to give are the most likely to give,” Busbee said. “Their generosity is rewarding to me.”