All 150 of the Pike County Salvation Army’s “angels’ have been adopted.

“We had a large number of applicants for the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree and Pike Countains have, again, been very generous and caring,” said Kim May, director of the Pike County Salvation Army Service Center and Thrift Store.

“In these very difficult times, people are still reaching out to those in need, especially children. We really appreciate those who adopted a child. Because of their generosity, Christmas will be much brighter for a lot of children.”

May said donations to Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign that begins the weekend before Thanksgiving and ends on Christmas Eve are down from last year but only slightly.

“The people of Pike County and the surrounding areas always give generously to the Red Kettle Campaign and we really appreciate their support,” May said.

“The Red Kettle Campaign is our biggest fundraiser and determines the amount of assistance the Salvation Army can provide throughout the year.”

The Christmas season is a busy time at the Salvation Army as requests for assistance increase.

May said the Salvation Army Food Bank always has an empty space in the cupboard.

“The greatest needs are for non-perishable meat items,” she said. “And peanut butter is a good protein source and rather inexpensive. We will be taking food boxes to about 20 families this Christmas. The boxes will have a turkey and the trimmings needed to prepare a traditional Christmas dinner. The boxes will also include items from the food bank.”

May said there are many people in the Pike County area who are in need.

“And those needs don’t stop when Christmas is over,” she said.

“The winter months are especially hard for many due to the increase in heating costs so monetary donations are always needed and appreciated.

“We at the Pike County Salvation Army thank all of Pike County for its support at Christmas time and all year long.”