Ag Commissioner helps kick off Gold Kettle Campaign

State Agriculture Commissioner John McMillan knows how important it is to support the local Salvation Army Service Centers.

That’s why he was a bell ringer for the Pike County Salvation Army’s Red Kettle campaign yesterday.

McMillan is a member of the Rotary Club in Montgomery and knows, first hand, of the good work that the Salvation Army does.

He said that the Salvation Army is generous with its contributions to those in need and not to high salaries and benefits.

“This is a worthwhile cause and I had some free time so that I could run down here,” McMillan said. He, laughingly, added that he was also glad to spend time with a couple of “super stars,” Troy University Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins and Coach Larry Blakeney.

McMillan’s support of the local Salvation Army kicked off its Gold Kettle campaign today at Food World.

Local elected officials will be ringing the bell at Food World in hopes of making Gold Kettle Day a huge success, said Kim May, Pike County Salvation Army director.

Bell ringers will be Banks Mayor Lisa Culpepper, Goshen Mayor Jack Waller, Troy Mayor Jason Reeves, State Rep. Alan Boothe, Circuit Clerk Jamie Scarbrough, Probate Judge Wes Allen and Sheriff Russell Thomas.

“We are so appreciative of the support of our elected officials,” May said. “Gold Kettle Day is always a big day and we really need a big day this year.”

May said that, because Thanksgiving came late this year, the Red Kettle campaign will be five days short.

“The Red Kettle campaign traditionally begins the day after Thanksgiving,” she said. “Because we lost five days this year, it is estimated that, nationwide, the Red Kettle campaign will be $20 million short. That’s a lot of money and, that equates to people that the Salvation Army will not be able to help.”

May said that donations to the Red Kettle campaign are down as are annual donations.

“Locally, the Red Kettle donations are down but only a little bit and, if people will give generously from now until Christmas Eve, then we won’t feel the pinch so much here at home. We really need our community to step up so that we can help our friends and neighbors. The money donated locally stays right here at home.”

May said that donations to the Salvation Army are tax deductible.

“People will usually make their annual donations at this time of the year and those donations are down slightly,” she said. “We believe that that the people of Pike County will continue to support the Pike County Salvation Army because their donations do stay here in Pike County to help those in need.”

The Pike County Salvation Army Service Center has a large selection of clothes, household and miscellaneous items. The prices are right and shopping or donating to the Service Center is another way to support the Salvation Army as it works to help Pike County people in need.