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Already, the Pike County Salvation Army is hearing the ringing of bells.

And, there’s no jingle that says, “Merry Christmas” more than the ringing of the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle bells. And, Red Kettle time is just around the corner, said Kim May, Pike County Salvation Army director.

The Salvation Army Red Kettle fundraising campaign gets underway the Friday after Thanksgiving, November 27. Bell ringers are needed to man the kettles and help raise money to help friends and neighbors in need.

“And, the needs are many and great in 2020,” May said. “COVID-19 has put a great strain on the economy and on personal income. There has been much sickness and several big storms. So, the 2020 Red Kettle Campaign is as important as ever, maybe ever more.”

“Volunteers can ring an hour or two or more,” May said. “We appreciate all of those who ring. And, we encourage churches, clubs, organizations, neighborhoods, schools, any groups to ‘Do a Door for a Day.’  That is very helpful for us because we can be assured that ‘door’ will be manned throughout the day.”

May said, however, individuals and families are the “heart” of the Red Kettle Campaign.

“It is heartwarming to see families ringing the bell for the Salvation Army and especially children.  We are seeing more and more children ringing the bell so that others may have a merrier Christmas.”
Groups that would like to “Do a Door for a Day” are asked to call the Pike County Salvation Army Service Center at 808-1069 or 672-4481 or 268-2553 or to visit the service center at 509 South Brundidge Street in Troy.

The Red Kettle Campaign will run daily from the Friday after Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve with the exception of Sundays.

The Red Kettle sites include Walmart, the Piggly Wiggly stores and Walgreen’s.

The Red Kettle Campaign is the Pike County Salvation Army’s largest fundraising campaign and goes a long way in “doing the most good” for Pike County friends and neighbors’ in need.

The Pike County Salvation Army will also host a fall camp stew sale, featuring Carter Sanders’ popular “three meat” recipe from noon until 6 p.m. on November 5. Reserve orders are not necessary but, to do so, call 372-5145. May said there should be plenty camp stew available for pickup.