The Pike County Salvation Army Service Center’s Red Kettle Campaign will get a big boost Friday when local politicians ring the bell and turn the Red Kettle to gold.

The Gold Kettle Campaign is a one-day event where local celebrities show their support for the Salvation Army by ringing the bell and encouraging others to join them in giving to the charitable organization.

Kim May, center director, said donations to the Red Kettle campaign are ahead of where they were this time last year. With the Gold Kettle event set for Friday, she expects the donations to continue to exceed last year’s.

“We feel very fortunate that people are so generous in their giving,” May said. “I think that people really care about each other and are willing to do what they can to help those who are in real need.”

When others see that elected officials are willing to be bell ringers for the Salvation Army, they want to do their part, too, May said.

Each “celebrity” bell ringer will man the Gold Kettle for one hour Friday beginning with Brundidge Mayor Jimmy Ramage at 9 a.m. Following Ramage will be Republican Congressional candidate Martha Roby, Pike County Circuit Clerk Brenda Peacock, Pike County Probate Judge Wes Allen, Troy Mayor Jimmy Lunsford, Goshen Mayor Jack Waller, Troy City Councilman Charlie Dunn and Banks Mayor Dewayne Henderson.

May expressed appreciation to the elected officials and the many volunteer bell ringers who will be the success of the 2010 Red Kettle campaign.

“I’m also very grateful to all of those who adopted a child from our Angel Tree,” May said.

“All 50 ‘angels’ have been adopted and will receive their gifts on Saturday at the Service Center and Thrift Store. Santa Claus will be there and we will also present food boxes to 10 families. Saturday will be a busy day and a good day at the Pike County Salvation Army Service Center and Thrift Store.”

May said bell ringers are still needed for the Red Kettle campaign and camp stew is available from the Salvation Army’s recent camp stew sale.

“The camp stew is frozen so it will be handy for the holidays,” she said.

“It was made by Carter Sanders and will be especially good on these cold nights.”

To volunteer as a bell ringer, to purchase camp stew or to make a donation to the Pike County Salvation Army Service Center, call 808-1069.